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291).  Pholo-reprodiiction  of  Page  75  from  the  original  in 
the  Abbey  of  Maria  Einsiedeln,  ''Initium  Completorii" 
wdh  Miniature ''The  Crowning  of  Our  Blessed  Lady" 
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IS  notable  for  Us  varying  and  highly  ornate  design. 


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of  tlje 

Prebiarp  anb  Jlisijsal 

Edited  with  Introduction  and  Notes  by 

REV.  MATTHEW  BRITT,  O.S.B. 

ST.  martin's  abbey,  lacey,  wash. 
Preface  by 

Rt.  Rev.  Msgr.  Hugh  T.  Henry,  Litt.  D. 


New  York,  Cincinnati,  Chicago 

BENZIGER  BROTHERS 

PRINTERS  TO  THE      I  PUBLISHERS  OF 

HOLY  APOSTOLIC  SEE  |   BENZIGER's  MAGAZINE 

1922 


OswALDUs  Baran,  O.S.B. 

Abbas  S.  Martini. 

Arthur  J.  Scanlan,  S.T.D. 

Censor  Librorum. 

imprimatur. 

>J*  Patrick  J.  Hayes,  D.D. 

Archbishop  of  New  York. 
New  York,  July  18,  1922. 


ConTRiCHT,  1922.  BY  Bemzicbr  Bsothms 
Printed  in  the  United  States  of  America. 


Contentis 

PAGE 

Preface  by  Rt.  Rev.  Msgr.  Hugh  T.  Henry,  Litt.D.  9 

Author's  Preface  13 

Acknowledgments  15 

Bibliography   17 

Introduction 21 

Historical   21 

Meters     25 

Canonical  Hours  31 

PART  I 

The  Hymns  of  the  Psalter 33 

Prime    33 

Terce   35 

Sext   36 

None    37 

Compline 39 

Sunday  at  Matins 40 

Te  Deum 44 

Sunday  at  Lauds 49 

Monday  at  Matins  54 

Monday  at  Lauds 55 

Tuesday  at  Matins  58 

Tuesday  at  Lauds 59 

Wednesday  at  Matins  61 

Wednesday  at  Lauds 63 

Thursday  at  Matins 64 

Thursday  at  Lauds 65 

Friday  at  Matins  66 

Friday  at  Lauds 68 

Saturday  at  Matins  70 

Saturday  at  Lauds 71 

6 


CONTENTS 

PAGE 

The  Vespers  Hymns  of  the  Psalter 73 

Sunday  at  Vespers 73 

Monday  at  Vespers  75 

Tuesday  at  Vespers 77 

Wednesday  at  Vespers  79 

Thursday  at  Vespers   80 

Friday  at  Vespers 82 

Saturday  at  Vespers  84 

Special  Doxologies  85 

The  Antiphons  of  the  Blessed  Virgin 86 

PART  II 

Pkoper  of  the  Season 91 

Advent — The  Great  Antiphons 91 

Christmastide    100 

The  Holy  Innocents  106 

The  Holy  Name  of  Jesus — Vespers    109 

Matins    Ill 

Lauds   112 

The  Epiphany 113 

Lent  117 

Passiontide    123 

The  Seven  Dolors  of  the  Blessed  Virgin . . .  132 

Eastertide — The  Paschal  Sequence 141 

Whitsuntide   159 

Trinity  Sunday 170 

Corpus  Christi   173 

Feast  of  the  Sacred  Heart 194 

Dies  IrsB  202 

PART  III 

Proper  of  the  Saints 217 

The  Immaculate  Conception-r-Dec.  8th 217 

St.  Peter's  Chair  at  Rome— January  18th. ...  219 

Conversion  of  St.  Paul — January  25th 221 

St.  Martina— January  30th 222 

The  Holy  Family— 1st  Sunday  after  Epiphany  226 
The    Apparition    of    the    Blessed    Virgin    at 

Lourdes — February  11th   232 

The  Seven  Holy  Founders— February  12th. . .  237 

6 


CONTENTS 

PAGE 

St.  Joseph— March  19th 243 

St.  Hermengild— April  13th 248 

St.  Venantius— May  18th 250 

St.  Juliana  Falconieri — June  19th 254 

Nativity  of  St.  John  the  Baptist— June  24th. .  256 

SS.  Peter  and  Paul— June  29th 262 

The  Most  Precious  Blood— July  1st 265 

SS.  Cyril  and  Methodius— July  7th 271 

St.  Elizabeth  of  Portugal— July  8th 276 

St.  Mary  Magdalene— July  22nd 278 

St.  Peter's  Chains— August  1st 282 

Transfiguration  of  Our  Lord — August  6th. . . .  283 

The  Seven  Dolors  of  Our  Lady— Sept.  15th. . .  286 

St.  Michael  the  Archangel — September  29th . . .  291 

The  Holy  Guardian  Angels — October  2nd 295 

The  Most  Holy  Rosary— October  7th 298 

St.  Teresa— October  15th 305 

St.  John  Cantius— October  20th 308 

All  Saints — November  1st 312 

PART  IV 

Common  op  the  Saints 317 

Common  of  the  Blessed  Virgin  Mary 317 

Common  of  Apostles  and  Evangelists  (Out  of 

Eastertide)     323 

Common  of  One  Martyr  (Out  of  Eastertide) . . .  326 

Common  of  Many  Martyrs  (In  Eastertide) . . .  329 

Common  of  Many  Martyrs  (Out  of  Eastertide)  332 

Common  of  Confessors 334 

Common  of  Virgins    339 

Common  of  Holy  Women  342 

Common  of  the  Dedication  of  a  Church 343 

De  Contemptu  Mundi  (four  parts) 350 

Authors  of  the  Latin  Hymns 355 

Tranlators  of  the  Hymns 362 

Religious  Affiliations  of  the  Translators 372 

Glossary  373 

English  Index   375 

Latin  Index 380 

7 


preface 

'FTER  years  of  patient  but  loving  labor,  the 
compiler  of  this  volume  has  achieved  a  work  of 
scholarly  distinction,  of  elegant  artistry,  and 
withal  of  practical  utility. 
It  is  a  work  of  scholarly  distinction.  The 
field  of  Latin  hymnology  is  vast  in  extent  and  rich  in  re- 
sources, and  translators  have  roamed  far  and  wide  amid  its 
fertile  reaches  for  highly  varied  blooms  and  fruits.  The 
compiler  has  therefore  had  many  rich  stores  to  draw  upon, 
but  he  has  wisely  restricted  himself  to  very  definite  limits 
of  choice.  The  hymns  of  the  Roman  Missal  and  Breviary 
form  a  thesaurus  by  themselves.  Many  of  them  are  world- 
famous  classics.  Some  of  them  have  won  translation  and 
commentary  that  fill  volumes  devoted  to  them  singly.  All 
of  them  deserve  rendition  into  English  verse  and,  indeed, 
have  been  more  than  once  so  rendered.  Father  Caswall  and 
Archbishop  Bagshawe,  each  for  his  own  day,  translated  all 
of  the  Missal  and  Breviary  hymns.  Caswall  did  more,  it  is 
true,  finding  other  treasures  in  the  Parisian  and  various 
Monastic  Breviaries.  His  competency  for  the  task  he  es- 
sayed was  manifold  and  excellent,  and  his  Lyra  Catholica 
will  doubtless  forever  remain  a  Catholic  classic.  Bagshawe 
confined  his  attention  to  the  Roman  liturgical  hynms,  set- 
ting himself  the  somewhat  ungrateful  task  of  closely  literal 
translation.  In  our  own  day.  Judge  Donahoe  has  published 
two  series  of  Early  Christian  Hymns,  including  very  many 
from  the  Roman  liturgy,  and  has  merited  the  high  praise 
accorded  him  by  critics.  Catholic  renderings  into  English 
of  individual  liturgical  hymns  are  well-nigh  innumerable. 
While  Catholics  have  naturally  been  active  in  such  appro- 
priate work,  it  may  seem  at  first  blush  astonishing  that 


PREFACE 

Protestants  should  have  issued  so  many  volumes  of  transla- 
tion, history,  commentary  and  appreciation  of  our  Latin 
hymnody,  and  should  have  exhausted  the  language  of 
eulogy  in  appraisal  of  the  masterpieces — the  Dies  Irce,  the 
Stabat  Mater,  the  Lauda  Sion,  the  Golden  Sequence,  and 
the  like.  Charles  Warren  found  suflQcient  matter  in  the  his- 
tory and  the  translations  of  the  Dies  Irce  for  a  good-sized 
volume.  Dr.  Coles,  an  American  physician,  gave  a  volume 
to  the  Stabat  Mater.  Judge  Noyes  unostentatiously  issued 
his  Seven  Great  Hymns  of  the  Mediceval  Church,  and  the 
book  ran  through  many  editions.  The  name  of  Protestant 
editors  and  translators  of  our  Latin  hymns  is  legion.  One 
of  the  most  earnest  and  reverent  students  of  Latin  hymn- 
ody, and  perhaps  the  most  felicitous  of  all  the  translators, 
was  an  Anglican  clergyman,  the  Rev.  J.  M.  Neale,  D.D. 
The  distinction  achieved  by  Father  Britt  in  the  present 
volume,  however,  does  not  lie  in  the  fact  that  he  has  ven- 
tured, with  catholicity  of  literary  taste,  to  include  render- 
ings by  other  than  Catholic  pens.  Orby  Shipley  in  his 
Annus  Sanctus  and  the  Marquess  of  Bute  in  his  Roman 
Breviary  had  already  drawn  a  sharp  contrast — the  former 
excluding,  the  latter  including,  non-Catholic  renderings. 
But  the  present  compiler  has,  more  largely  than  any  other, 
given  representation  to  non-Catholic  pens.  He  has  mainly 
sought  for  translations  that  should  best  combine  a  just 
literalness  with  the  just  freedom  in  phrase  and  form  ac- 
corded by  literary  canons  in  the  art  of  translation.  There 
is  obvious  danger,  on  the  one  hand,  that  the  ray  of  doctrinal 
truth  will  suffer  refraction  when  it  passes  from  the  medium 
of  the  Latin  idiom  into  the  medium  of  the  English  tongue. 
On  the  other  hand,  there  is  danger  that  excessive  devotion 
to  literalness  in  phrase  rather  than  in  thought  w411  issue 
in  idiomatic  awkwardness,  questionable  rhyming,  stilted  or 
crabbed  rhythm. 

While  the  work  of  Father  Britt  derives  distinction  from 
this  largeness  of  view  in  selection,  it  also  aims  to  secure 
elegant  artistry  in  the  translation  of  our  wonderfully  rich 
hymnody.  The  task  is  trying  beyond  ordinary  apprehen- 
sion, for  the  editor  must  minutely  weigh  questions  of  ac- 
curacy in  the  rendering,  must  measure  relative  felicities  of 

10 


PREFACE 

phrase,  must  compare  stanza  with  stanza,  must  evaluate 
sensitively  the  appropriateness  of  an  English  metre  to  that 
of  the  Latin  original.  Meanwhile,  he  must  remain  always 
fearful  lest  some  subtle  essence  or  quintessence  of  the  Latin 
poet's  fine  frenzy  may  have  been  lost,  some  hardly  dis- 
cernible antithesis  in  thought  or  phrase  overlooked  (as 
Dr.  Neale  pointed  out  in  several  English  translations  of  the 
Angelic  Doctor's  Pange  Lingua),  some  curiosa  felicitas  of 
the  Latin  handled  with  unlaboriously  heavy  touch.  The  art 
of  selection  in  the  midst  of  many  fairly  satisfactory  rendi- 
tions is  indeed,  to  the  conscientious  anthologist,  a  most  try- 
ing one.  But  the  artistic  labor  does  not  end  here.  Merely 
to  select  at  random  will  hardly  suffice.  But  to  choose  the 
version  always  which  seems  best  to  satisfy  the  canons  of 
art  might  result  in  the  too  frequent  recurrence  of  the  same 
names — those  of  Caswall,  Neale,  Newman,  for  instance — 
with  an  undesirable  monotony.  A  large  volume  must  have 
a  large  variety  in  authorship,  when  it  is  an  anthology  in 
the  field  of  Latin  hymnody.  The  difficulty  confronted  is  not 
the  superficial  one,  however,  of  a  mere  variety  in  names. 
In  the  domain  of  music,  one  may  tire  of  the  majesty  of 
Bach,  the  stormy  emotionalism  of  Beethoven,  the  "cloying 
sweetness ' '  of  Mendelssohn.  In  literature,  one  may  desire 
a  change  even  from  the  morning  freshness  of  Chaucer,  the 
vivid  heart-searchings  of  Shakespeare,  the  sententious 
rhythms  of  Pope.  More  is  needed  than  a  mere  variety  in 
metric  forms — a  device  used  by  translators  in  order  to 
avoid  monotony.  There  should  be  variety  in  mental  and 
spiritual  experience  and  outlook,  in  poetic  gifts,  in  rhymic 
and  rhythmic  facilities,  in  variant  literary  modes.  To  sum 
it  up  briefly,  there  should  be  variety  in  the  unmeasurable 
thing  called  personality.  For  the  style  is  the  man — the 
complex,  like  himself,  of  his  culture,  his  loves  and  hopes, 
his  anxieties  and  fears.  Accordingly,  the  compiler  has 
availed  himself  of  the  labors  of  some  sixty  translators  of 
the  one  hundred  and  seventy-three  hymns  included  in  his 
volume.  The  reader  may  therefore  confidently  look  for 
that  variety  which  is  the  spice  of  literature  as  of  life.  In- 
cidentally, he  will  receive  a  broad  vision  of  the  hymnologic 
work  going  on  in  the  world  around  him. 

11 


PREFACE 

The  utility  of  Father  Britt's  labor  of  love  is  practical 
in  many  ways.  A  good  translation  is  really  an  interpreta- 
tion. It  does  not  render  merely  the  words  or  even  the 
thoughts  of  the  original  writer  into  another  tongue,  but 
seeks  as  well  to  pierce  into  his  mood,  to  reproduce  it  for 
the  reader^  to  catch  and  fix  that  first  passion  which 

beggars  all  behind, 
Heirs  of  a  tamer  transport  prepossessed. 

And  so  it  is  that  the  learned  Latinist  may  still  learn  at 
times  something  from  the  studious,  gifted,  visioned  trans- 
lator, even  as  the  learned  Shakespearian  etymologist  may 
gain  deeper  insight  from  the  action  and  emphasis  of  a  Gar- 
rick  or  a  Booth.  In  the  lower  levels  of  thought,  a  good  in- 
terpretation may  be  gained  from  a  good  translation ;  for  not 
a  few  of  the  Latin  hymns  need  intelligent  commentary  for 
their  easy  or  complete  elucidation — a  commentary  some- 
times supplied,  in  a  large  sense,  by  a  poetic  translator.  On 
a  still  lower  plane,  some  of  the  Latin  hymns  (such  as  the 
Sterne  Rerum  Conditor,  the  lit  Queant  Laxis)  present 
grammatical  tangles  not  readily  solvable  by  the  ordinary 
graduate  of  a  course  in  Latin  language  and  literature.  But 
if  the  innumerable  hosts  of  those  who  have  had  no  training 
in  Latin  are  to  benefit  by  the  wisdom,  the  piety,  the  fervor 
enshrined  in  the  hymns  of  the  Roman  liturgy,  the  work  of 
the  translator  becomes  indispensable. 

It  remains  but  to  felicitate  the  compiler  upon  the  com- 
pletion of  his  long  and  loving  labor  and  to  bespeak  for  his 
volume  the  attention  of  all  students  of  Latin  hymnology 
and  all  lovers  of  the  venerable  hymns  of  the  Roman  MissgJ 
and  Breviary. 

H.  T.  Henby. 
The  Catholic  University  of  America, 
Washington,  D.  C. 


12 


autfjor'jf  preface 

X^^^^HE  purpose  of  this  volume  is  to  provide  an  in- 
^  x->ytroductory  work  on  the  hymns  of  the  Roman 
M  ^  jBreviary  and  Missal.  In  its  pages  will  be 
^L  J'f  ound  all  the  hymns  in  the  Breviary  since  the 

^^1^^  Bull  Divino  Afflatu  of  Pope  Pius  X  (1911),  to- 
gether with  the  five  sequences  of  the  Missal,  and  a  few 
other  hymns.  There  is  at  present  in  English  no  work  that 
even  approximately  covers  this  ground.  Many  thoughtful 
men  have  long  felt  that  something  should  be  done  to  make 
our  liturgical  hymns  better  known  and  better  understood. 

The  Dies  IrcB,  the  Vexilla  Regis,  the  Stabat  Mater,  the 
Lauda  Sion,  and  the  Pange  Lingua  are  of  incomparably 
greater  value  to  the  Christian  than  the  greatest  of  pagan 
odes.  However,  the  study  of  the  ancient  classics  and  of 
Christian  hymns  may  and  should  go  hand  in  hand.  Each 
has  its  own  purpose ;  there  is  no  quarrel  between  them.  The 
one  serves  to  cultivate  a  delicate  and  refined  taste,  the 
other  enkindles  in  the  soul  the  loftiest  sentiments  of  relig- 
ion. The  study  of  the  former  prepares  one  for  a  fuller 
and  more  generous  enjoyment  of  the  latter. 

The  present  volume  is  intended  as  a  manual  for  begin- 
ners — for  those  who  have  had  no  access  to  the  many  excel- 
lent works  on  Latin  hymns  edited  in  other  languages.  The 
editor  has  no  new  theories  of  authorship  to  propound,  no 
new  historical  facts  to  announce,  and  in  general  no  new 
interpretation  of  disputed  passages  in  the  hymns.  For 
historical  data  he  freely  acknowledges  his  indebtedness  to 
many  existing  works,  especially  to  the  Dictionary  of  Hymn- 
ology  so  ably  edited  by  the  late  Rev.  Dr.  John  Julian,  and 
the  Rev.  James  Mearns,  M.A. 

The  translations  referred  to  throughout  the  volume  are 

13 


AUTHOR'S  PREFACE 

metrical  translations.  There  are  no  prose  translations  in 
English,  if  one  excepts  a  considerable  part  of  the  hymns  of 
the  Proper  of  the  Season,  which  are  found  in  Abbot 
Gueranger's  great  work  The  Liturgical  Year.  The  metrical 
versions  given  here  represent  the  work  of  more  than  sixty 
translators,  some  of  whom  flourished  as  early  as  the  seven- 
teenth century.  In  the  selection  of  these  translations  many 
hymn-collections  and  many  of  the  finest  hymn-books  have 
been  laid  under  tribute.  Catholic  and  Anglican  scholars, 
especially  since  the  days  of  the  Oxford  Movement,  have 
vied  with  one  another  in  rendering  our  Latin  hymns  into 
English  verse.  Both  in  the  number  of  translators  and  in 
the  quality  of  their  work  the  honors  are  about  equally  di- 
vided. It  is  worthy  of  note  that  Catholic  scholars  have 
ordinarily  translated  the  Roman  Breviary  Text,  while 
Anglicans  have  generally  rendered  the  Original  Text  as 
found  in  the  Benedictine  and  Dominican  Breviaries.  Much 
time  was  spent  in  the  selection  of  the  translations  that  ac- 
company the  Latin  hymns.  Despite  the  great  wealth  of 
translations  the  editor  is  inclined  to  believe  that  the  num- 
ber of  really  good  versions  of  any  particular  hymn  is  not 
great.  A  translation,  to  be  worthy  of  the  name,  must  com- 
bine good  idiomatic  English  with  a  literal  rendering  of  the 
original.  The  retention  of  the  meter  of  the  original  is  also 
very  desirable.  Some  translators  have  excelled  in  one  of 
these  qualities,  some  in  another;  few  have  successfully 
combined  all  of  them.  In  not  a  few  instances  it  was  found 
necessary  to  restrict  the  choice  of  translations  to  those 
made  directly  from  the  Roman  Breviary  Text.  Often  how- 
ever the  two  Texts  while  differing  verbally  do  not  differ 
greatly  in  sense.  In  such  instances  translations  of  the 
Original  Text  by  J.  M.  Neale  and  others  are  freely  given. 
It  was  a  part  of  the  instruction  given  the  revisers  of  the 
hymns  in  1632  that  the  meter  and  sense  of  each  line  should 
be  preserved,  and  that  expressions  should  not  be  funda- 
mentally altered.  It  need  scarcely  be  said  that  this  in- 
struction was  not  always  followed. 

Whenever  ascertainable  the  name  of  the  translator  of 
each  hymn  is  given.  Statements  as  to  authorship  do  not  as 
a  rule  include  Doxologies,  Latin  or  English.    Considerable 

14 


AUTHOR'S  PREFACE 

liberty  was  taken  in  the  selection  of  English  Doxologies. 
The  number  of  English  translations  is  given  under  each 
hymn.  The  number  of  translations  credited  to  a  hymn  is 
based  in  great  part  on  the  versions  mentioned  in  Julian's 
Dictionary  of  Hymnology  and  in  Duffield's  Latin  Hymn- 
Writers.  To  these  lists  have  been  added  several  recent 
translations.    All  such  lists  are  necessarily  incomplete. 

The  editor  is  not  unconscious  of  the  many  shortcomings 
and  imperfections  of  the  present  volume ;  but  if  it  will  serve 
to  enkindle  in  the  hearts  of  beginners,  especially  of  young 
men  studying  for  the  priesthood,  a  love  for  the  hymns  of 
Holy  Church,  it  will  have  accomplished  the  chief  purpose 
for  which  it  was  undertaken.  Its  preparation  has  been  both 
a  pastime  and  a  labor  of  love.  The  result  is  cheerfully  sub- 
mitted to  the  judgment  and  correction  of  the  proper  eccles- 
iastical authorities.  The  pointing  out  of  any  inaccuracies 
will  be  duly  acknowledged  and  greatly  appreciated  by  the 
editor. 

Acknowledgments 

The  editor  desires  to  express  his  warmest  thanks  to 
many  kind  friends  for  their  generous  assistance  in  the 
preparation  of  this  work.  A  special  word  of  acknowledg- 
ment is  due  to  the  Right  Rev.  Msgr.  H.  T.  Henry,  Litt.D., 
and  to  the  late  Right  Rev.  Peter  Engel,  O.S.B.,  for  their 
kindly  interest  in  the  work  from  its  inception.  The  editor's 
thanks  are  also  due  to  many  authors  and  publishers  for  per- 
mission to  use  the  translations  here  assigned  them :  to  Mr. 
Robert  Bridges,  the  Poet  Laureate,  for  permission  to  use 
hymn  12  from  The  Yattendon  Hymnal;  to  the  Benedictines 
of  Stanbrook  for  hymns  99,  100,  121,  122,  138,  140  from 
their  The  Bay  Hours  of  the  Church;  to  Messrs.  Burns, 
Gates  and  Washboume  for  hymns  98  and  146  from  Arch- 
bishop Bagshawe's  Breviary  Hymns  and  Missal  Sequences; 
to  the  representatives  of  the  late  Marquess  of  Bute  for 
hymns  84,  95,  141  from  his  Roman  Breviary  in  English; 
to  the  Rev.  John  Connolly  for  hymn  116  by  the  late  Canon 
Hall ;  to  the  Rev.  Percy  Dearmer  for  hymn  156 ;  to  Mr.  Lau- 
rence Housman  for  hymn  164 ;  to  Judge  D.  J.  Donahue  for  a 

15 


AUTHOR'S  PREFACE 

new  translation  of  hymn  159,  and  for  hjnnns  86,  123,  142, 
143,  from  his  Early  Christian  Hymns;  to  the  Rev.  Edward 
F.  Garesche,  S.J.  for  hymn  80;  to  the  Rev.  T.  A.  Lacey, 
M.A.  for  hymn  48 ;  to  the  Right  Rev.  Msgr.  H.  T.  Henry  for 
hymns  41,  75,  96,  97,  131,  139,  144;  to  the  Right  Rev.  Sir 
David  Oswald  Hunter-Blair,  O.S.B.  for  a  new  translation 
of  hymn  30,  and  for  hymn  141 ;  to  Miss  Julian  for  hymn  20 
written  by  her  distinguished  father;  to  the  proprietors 
of  Hymns  Ancient  and  Modern  {H.A.  and  M.)  for  hymns 
34B  and  154;  to  Messrs.  Kegan  Paul,  Trench,  Trubner  & 
Co.  for  hymn  102  by  the  late  Charles  Kegan  Paul;  to 
Messrs.  Longmans,  Green  &  Co.  for  hymn  135,  by  the  late 
Dr.  T.  I.  Ball;  to  Mr.  Alan  G.  McDougall  for  hymns  1, 
64,  77, 105, 129,  136,  138, 156  which  now  appear  in  print  for 
the  first  time ;  to  Messrs.  Macmillan  and  to  the  Society  for 
Promoting  Christian  Knowledge  (S.P.C.K.)  for  hymns  14, 
16,  18,  27,  36  by  the  late  W.  J.  Courthope;  to  the  Oxford 
University  Press  for  hymn  4  by  Messrs.  Ellerton  and  Hort ; 
to  the  Rev.  G.  H.  Palmer,  B.A.  for  permission  to  use  many 
copyright  hymns  from  The  Hymner — this  includes  all  the 
hymns  ascribed  to  Messrs.  G.  H.  Palmer,  M.  J.  Blacker, 
W.  J.  Copeland,  J.  W.  Chadwick,  and  J.  W.  Doran ;  to  Mr. 
Athelstan  Riley,  M.A.  for  hymns  42  and  129 ;  to  The  Rosary 
Magazine  for  hymn  139 ;  to  the  Rev.  G.  R.  Woodward,  M.A. 
for  a  new  translation  of  the  Ave  Maris  Stella  149B,  and  for 
many  courtesies ;  to  the  proprietors  of  The  English  Hymnal 
for  the  translation  ascribed  above  to  Messrs.  Athelstan 
Riley,  T.  A.  Lacey,  Percy  Dearmer,  and  Laurence  Hous- 
man. 

Among  the  many  scholars  and  friends  to  whom  the  editor 
is  indebted  he  would  here  make  special  mention  of  Mr. 
James  Britten,  K.S.G.,  the  Rev.  James  Mearns,  M.A.,  Mr. 
Alan  G.  McDougall  and  the  Rev.  Ildephonse  Brandstetter, 
O.S.B.  Many  of  those  already  mentioned  have  been  very 
kind  and  helpful  in  looking  up  the  owners  of  hymns  still 
in  copyright.  This  in  itself  has  been  no  slight  task  as  most 
of  these  are  the  property  of  English  authors  and  publish- 
ers. The  editor  has  spared  no  efforts  to  ascertain  the  own- 
ers of  all  copyright  hymns ;  but  if  through  inadvertence  any 
have  been  overlooked,  indulgence  is  asked  in  so  worthy  a 

16 


AUTHOR'S  PREFACE 

cause,  and  the  editor  promises  that  due  acknowledgement 
will  be  made  at  the  earliest  opportunity. 

Bibliography 

Works  containing  translations  of  Latin  hymns,  without 
Latin  texts  and  comment,  will  be  found  among  the  bi- 
ographies of  translators  at  the  end  of  this  volume. 

1.  John  Julian:  A  Dictionary  of  Hynmology,  2nd  Ed., 
London,  1907.  A  truly  great  work  which  sets  forth  the 
origin  of  Christian  hymns  of  all  ages  and  nations.  Very 
valuable  for  Latin  hymns.  This  work  does  not  contain 
texts. 

2.  S.  W.  Duffield :  Latin  Hymn-Writers  and  Their  Hymns, 
New  York,  1889.  This  work  is  a  series  of  critical  essays ;  it 
contains  a  few  Latin  hymns  and  translations.  It  is  not  a 
reliable  work.    Funk  and  Wagnalls,  New  York. 

3.  R.  C.  Trench:  Sacred  Latin  Poetry,  Chiefly  Lyrical, 
London,  1864.  Trench  was  the  Protestant  Archbishop  of 
Dublin.  This  book  is  an  old  favorite.  It  contains  76  Latin 
hymns,  six  of  which  are  from  the  Breviary  and  two  from 
the  Missal.  The  introduction  (52  pages)  is  very  instruc- 
tive.   The  book  is  the  work  of  a  scholar,  albeit  a  bigoted  one. 

4.  F.  A.  March:  Latin  Hymns,  New  York,  1874.  Con- 
tains Latin  text  of  160  hymns  with  brief  but  good  notes ;  37 
of  these  hymns  are  in  the  Breviary  or  Missal.  American 
Book  Co.,  New  York. 

5.  Eucharistica  by  Right  Rev.  Msgr.  H.  T.  Henry,  Litt. 
D.  Contains,  among  much  other  valuable  matter,  the  Latin 
texts  with  translations  of  some  forty  hymns  in  honor  of 
the  Blessed  Sacrament,  the  Sacred  Heart,  and  the  Holy 
Name.  There  are  sixty  pages  of  comment.  The  Dolphin 
Press,  Philadelphia,  1912. 

6.  The  Catholic  Encyclopedia:  This  great  work  is  fre- 
quently referred  to  throughout  this  volume.  It  contains 
much  valuable  information  on  our  Latin  hymns.  The  ar- 
ticle on  Hymnody  and  Hymnology  was  contributed  by  Rev. 
Clemens  Blume,  S.J.,  one  of  the  editors  of  Analecta 
Hymnica.  There  are  also  some  fifty  articles  on  individual 
hymns,  practically  all  of  which  were  contributed  by  Msgr. 

17 


AUTHOR'S  PREFACE 

H.  T.  Henry.    Each  article  is  followed  by  a  valuable  bibli- 
ography. 

7.  American  Ecclesiastical  Review:  During  the  last 
twenty-five  years  the  American  Ecclesiastical  Review  has 
contained  many  scholarly  articles  on  our  Latin  hymns,  and 
many  translations.  Most  of  the  articles  and  translations 
are  from  the  pen  of  Msgr.  H.  T.  Henry. 

8.  Latin  Hymns  edited  with  an  introduction  and  notes 
by  Rev.  Matthew  Germing,  S.J.,  Loyola  University  Press, 
Chicago,  1920.  This  inexpensive  booklet  contains  forty- 
five  hymns  judicially  chosen  and  carefully  edited  for  class- 
room purposes. 

9.  Latin  Hymns  edited  by  W.  A.  Merrill.  A  small  vol- 
ume of  Latin  hymns  with  brief  but  good  notes.  About 
forty  of  the  hymns  are  from  the  Breviary  and  Missal.  San- 
born, Boston,  1904. 

10.  Hymns  Ancient  and  Modern  {H.  A.  S  M.),  Historical 
Edition,  London,  1909.  Contains  643  hymns,  among  which 
are  148  Latin  hymns  with  English  translations  and  notes. 
It  contains  a  valuable  Introduction  (110  pages).  The  text 
of  the  Latin  hymns  "Hymni  Latini"  is  also  printed  sepa- 
rately in  vest  pocket  form.  (Wm.  Clowes  &  Sons,  Ltd.,  23 
Cockspur  St.,  London,  S.W.) 

11.  L'abbe  Pimont:  Les  Hymnes  du  Breviaire  Romavn, 
Etudes  critiques,  litteraires  et  mystiques.  3  Vols.,  Paris, 
1874-1884.  A  valuable  commentary;  a  good  companion 
would  be  the  work  next  listed  below. 

12.  Louis  Gladu :  Les  Hymnes  du  Breviaire  traduites  en 
frangais  avec  le  text  latin  en  regard.  Second  Ed.,  Quebec, 
1913. 

13.  Johan  Kayser:  Beitrdge  sur  Geschichte  wid  Erkld- 
rtmg  der  dltesten  Kirchenhymnen.  2  Vols.,  Paderbom, 
1881-1886.    An  excellent  commentary. 

14.  Adelbert  Schulte:  Die  Hymnen  des  Breviers  nebst 
den  Sequenzen  des  Missale;  2nd  Ed.,  Paderborn,  1906. 
This  work  contains  the  Roman  Breviary  Text  of  the  hymns, 
and  the  Original  Text  where  it  differs  from  the  former. 
There  is  a  very  literal  prose  translation  of  each  hymn  to- 
gether with  ample  explanatory  notes.  It  is  one  of  the  best 
works  obtainable  on  our  Latin  hynms. 

18 


AUTHOR'S  PREFACE 

15.  F.  J.  Mone:  Latemische  Hymnen  des  Mittelalters,  3 
Vols.,  Freiburg,  1853-1855.  Since  its  publication  this  has 
been  one  of  the  standard  works  on  Latin  hymns. 

16.  H.  A.  Daniel:  Thesaurus  Eymnologicus,  5  Vols., 
Leipzig,  1841-1856.  A  valuable  and  extensive  collection  of 
hymns.  The  arrangement  however  is  poor,  and  the  abbre- 
viations and  references  in  the  notes  are  most  obscure.  The 
first  volume  contains  in  parallel  columns  about  fifty  Brev- 
iary hymns  in  both  the  Original  Text  and  the  Roman 
Breviary  Text. 

17.  Dreves  and  Blume:  Analecta  Hymnica  Medii  ^vi. 
Leipzig,  1886.  This  great  work  when  completed  will  con- 
tain about  sixty  volumes.  More  than  fifty  are  now  in  print. 
It  is  the  most  extensive  work  on  Latin  hymnody  thus  far 
undertaken.  The  work  listed  next  below  should  be  in  the 
hands  of  every  user  of  the  Analecta  Hymnica. 

18.  James  Mearns:  Early  Latin  Hymnaries.  An  index 
of  hymns  in  hymnaries  before  1100.  It  gives  references  to 
the  three  following  works  where  the  texts  of  the  hymns  are 
printed;  Analecta  Hymnica  {supra);  Werner's  Die 
dltesten  Hymnensammlwigen  von  Rheinau,  1891;  Steven- 
son's The  Latin  Hymns  of  the  Anglo-Saxon  Church,  1851; 
References  are  also  given  to  Chevalier's  Repertoriumi 
Hymnologicum,  the  great  index  to  Latin  hymns. 


19 


Sntrobuctton 

Historical 

X^^^^^HE  use  of  hjTnns  in  the  Western  Church  dates 
^^^^^from  the  fourth  century,  from  the  days  of  the 
■  ^  |two  illustrious  Doctors  of  the  Church,  SS. 
^L  ^JHilary  and  Ambrose.  The  first  in  point  of 
^^^g^^  time  to  write  hymns  was  Hilary,  the  ever  vigi- 
lant bishop  of  Poitiers  (d.  368).  St.  Hilary,  who  had 
earned  for  himself  the  title  of  Malleus  Ariamorum,  ''the 
Hammer  of  the  Arians,"  was  sent  into  exile  by  the  Arian 
Emperor  Constantius.  His  place  of  exile  was  Phrygia,  a 
country  in  western  Asia  Minor.  During  the  six  years  of  his 
enforced  sojourn  among  the  Greeks,  he  became  familiar 
with  Greek  metrical  hymns  which  were  at  that  time  coming 
into  use  among  the  Christians  in  the  East.  On  his  return 
to  Poitiers  in  361  he  began  the  writing  of  Latin  hymns  in 
the  West.  His  efforts  were  not  crowned  with  great  suc- 
cess. Most  of  his  hymns  have  perished  and  many  of  those 
which  bear  his  name  are  the  compositions  of  later  writers. 
In  1887,  three  fragments  of  hymns  from  St.  Hilary's  Liher 
Hymnorum  were  discovered;  these  are  probably  the  only 
genuine  hymns  of  St.  Hilary  that  have  survived. 

To  St.  Ambrose  (340-397),  the  great  Bishop  of  Milan,  is 
to  be  ascribed  the  honor  of  being  the  real  founder  of 
hymnody  in  the  West.  St.  Ambrose  began  the  writing  of 
hymns  as  a  means  of  combating  the  pernicious  doctrines  of 
the  Arians.  His  hymns  were  used  to  convey  correct  Catho- 
lic doctrine  to  the  minds  and  hearts  of  his  people.  For 
this  purpose  he  chose  with  remarkable  judgment  a  simple 
strophe  consisting  of  four  iambic  dimeters — four  lines  of 
eight  syllables  each.    This,  which  is  the  simplest  of  all  the 

21 


INTRODUCTION 

lyric  meters,  is  most  suitable  for  congregational  singing 
and  is  easily  memorized.  The  hymns  of  St.  Ambrose  be- 
came very  popular,  and  from  Milan  they  spread  rapidly 
throughout  the  West.  Many  imitators  arose  who  imitated 
the  style  and  meter  of  St.  Ambrose.  All  such  hymns  were 
given  the  general  name  Ambrosiani — Ambrosian  hymns.  So 
popular  were  the  hymns  of  St.  Ambrose  and  of  the  Am- 
brosian school  of  hymn-writers  that  with  a  few  insignifi- 
cant exceptions  hymns  in  this  meter  were  almost  exclusively 
used  do^vn  to  the  eleventh  century,  nor  did  other  meters 
come  into  extensive  use  until  as  late  as  the  sixteenth  cen- 
tury. Even  to  this  day  hymns  written  by  St.  Ambrose  or 
by  his  imitators  greatly  predominate  in  the  Breviary.  H.  A. 
Daniel  in  his  Thesaurus  Hymnologicus  (Vol.  1),  gives 
ninety-two  hymns  which  he  ascribes  to  St.  Ambrose  or  to 
his  contemporaries  or  successors.  Many  of  these  Ambros- 
iani are  certainly  not  the  work  of  St.  Ambrose.  The  Bene- 
dictine editors  of  the  works  of  St.  Ambrose  attribute  to  him 
twelve  hymns.  Father  Dreves,  the  eminent  hymnologist, 
after  a  careful  study  of  the  hymnaries  in  the  Vatican  and 
at  Milan  in  1893,  gives  it  as  his  opinion  that  fourteen  of 
the  hymns  ascribed  to  St.  Ambrose  are  ** genuine"  and  that 
four  others  are  ** possibly  his." 

During  the  four  centuries  that  elapsed  between  the  death 
of  St.  Ambrose  (397)  and  that  of  Charlemagne  (814),  many 
Christian  poets  sang  in  noble  strains.  In  meter  and  out- 
ward form  they  imitated  the  hymns  of  St.  Ambrose.  Con- 
spicuous among  those  whose  hymns  are  used  in  the  Divine 
OflSce  are  the  Spanish  poet  Pru dentins  (d.  413)  whose 
Cathemerinon  is  frequently  mentioned  in  this  volume; 
Sedulius  (5th  cent.)  who  gave  us  the  beautiful  Christmas 
hymn  A  solis  ortus  cardine;  Fortunatus  (d.  609)  "the  last 
of  the  Latin  poets  of  Gaul"  and  the  author  of  the  incom- 
parable Vexilla  Regis  and  of  the  sublime  passion  hymn 
Pange  lingua;  St.  Gregory  the  Great  (d.  604)  to  whom  tra- 
dition assigns  a  place  among  the  hymn-writers;  Paul  the 
Deacon  (d.  799),  a  Benedictine  of  Monte  Cassino,  the  author 
of  the  first  Sapphic  hymn  Ut  queant  laxis;  and  Rabanus 
Maurus  (d.  856),  the  learned  Archbishop  of  Mainz,  the 
probable  author  of  the  Veni  Creator  Spiritus, 

22 


HISTORICAL 

The  second  period  of  hymn-writing  embraces  the  period 
between  the  ninth  and  the  sixteenth  century.  It  was  a 
period  of  the  greatest  activity.  Many  of  the  medieval 
hymn-writers  were  exceedingly  prolific,  and  a  mere  men- 
tion of  the  names  of  those  who  distinguished  themselves 
would  be  a  lengthy  task.  The  hymn-writers  of  the  Mid- 
dle Ages  allowed  themselves  greater  liberty  than  the  earlier 
Christian  poets,  and  in  general  the  rules  of  prosody  were 
disregarded.  It  is  noticeable  also  that  the  hymns  of  this 
period  became  more  subjective  than  the  somewhat  austere 
hymns  of  St.  Ambrose  and  his  imitators.  Popular  sub- 
jects were — the  Passion  and  Wounds  of  Christ,  His  Holy 
Name,  the  Joys  of  Paradise,  the  Terrors  of  the  Judgment, 
hymns  in  honor  of  Our  Lady  and  of  the  Saints.  Among 
the  great  names  of  this  period  is  that  of  St.  Thomas  Aquinas 
(d.  1274),  the  poet  of  the  Blessed  Sacrament;  Bernard  of 
Cluny  (12th  cent.),  author  of  De  Contemptu  Mundi,  a  poem 
of  3,000  lines  which  is  well  known  to  English  readers  from 
Neale's  translations — "The  world  is  very  evil,"  and 
** Jerusalem  the  golden,"  which  are  found  at  the  end  of 
this  volume.  To  this  period  also  belongs  Adam  of  St. 
Victor,  the  author  of  many  sequences  of  incomparable 
beauty,  and  the  most  prominent  and  prolific  hymn-writer  of 
the  Middle  Ages.  To  these  great  names  must  be  added 
that  of  Jacopone  da  Todi  (d.  1306),  the  author  of  the  ten- 
derest  of  all  poems,  the  Stahat  Mater;  and  the  still  greater 
name  of  Thomas  of  Celano  (d.  circa  1255),  the  immortal 
author  of  the  greatest  of  uninspired  compositions,  the 
Dies  Irce. 

The  third  period  of  Latin  hymn-writing  extends  to  the 
present  day.  It  is  not  a  period  marked  by  any  great  names 
nor  has  it  been  productive  of  any  noteworthy  new  school 
of  hymn-writers.  As  in  all  worldly  things  a  period  of 
growth  and  activity  is  followed  by  a  period  of  decay.  The 
art  of  Latin  hymn-writing  did  not  prove  to  be  an  exception 
to  this  rule.  With  the  close  of  the  Ages  of  Faith  the  sun 
of  Latin  hymnody  set  in  all  its  splendor.  Two  causes  con- 
spired to  make  Latin  hymn-writing  a  lost  art.  During  the 
ages  when  hymnody  flourished  men  thought  in  Latin  and 
spoke  Latin ;  for  them  Latin  was  a  living  language,  and  one 

23 


INTRODUCTION 

fully  capable  of  giving  expression  to  the  most  subtle  and 
refined  thoughts  and  feelings  of  the  human  soul. 

Fortunately  also  men  gloried  in  their  Faith  and  in  the 
external  manifestation  of  it  in  literature,  in  architecture,  in 
painting,  and  in  sculpture.  Unfortunately  these  conditions 
obtain  no  longer.  Latin  has  become  a  dead  language  even 
to  scholars,  and  no  one  writes  poetry  in  a  language  which 
he  has  not  learned  from  his  mother  but  from  books.  The 
second  cause  of  the  decay  of  hymnody  was  the  Renaissance. 
To  the  Humanist  no  Latin  poem  was  correct  that  did  not 
measure  up  to  the  classical  standards  of  the  Augustan  Age. 
Any  deviation  from  this  standard  was  a  barbarism.  * '  The 
Humanists,'^  says  Father  Clemens  Blume,  S.J.,  '' abomi- 
nated the  rhythmical  poetry  of  the  Middle  Ages  from  an 
exaggerated  enthusiasm  for  ancient  classical  forms  and 
meters.  Hymnody  then  received  its  death  blow  as,  on  the 
revision  of  the  Breviary  under  Pope  Urban  VIII,  the 
medieval  rhythmical  hymns  were  forced  into  more  classical 
forms  by  means  of  so-called  corrections."  {Cath.  Encycl., 
Art.  Hymnody).  Pope  Urban  was  himself  a  Humanist, 
the  last  in  fact  of  the  Humanist  Popes.  During  his  reign  a 
commission  was  appointed  to  revise  the  Breviary,  and  a 
special  commission  of  four  distinguished  Jesuit  scholars. 
Fathers  Sarbiewski,  Strada,  Galluzzi,  and  Petrucci  was  ap- 
pointed to  correct  the  hymns  of  the  Breviary.  As  a  result 
of  the  labors  of  this  commission,  952  corrections  were  made 
in  the  98  hymns  then  in  the  Breviary.  Eighty-one  hymns 
were  corrected:  58  alterations  were  made  in  the  hymns  of 
the  Psalter,  359  in  the  Proper  of  the  Season,  283  in  the 
Proper  of  the  Saints,  and  252  in  the  Common  of  the  Saints. 
The  first  lines  of  more  than  30  hymns  were  altered. 

The  Jam  lucis  orto  sidere,  the  Ave  Maris  Stella,  the 
hymns  of  St.  Thomas  Aquinas,  and  a  few  others  were 
spared.  Some  hymns  were  practically  rewritten,  others 
were  scarcely  touched.  In  1629,  the  Sacred  Congregation 
of  Rites  approved  of  the  alterations,  and  by  the  Bull 
Divinam  Psolmodiam  in  1632,  Pope  Urban  VIII  introduced 
them  into  the  official  edition  of  the  Breviary.  In  connection 
with  the  revision  of  the  hymns  it  should  be  borne  in  mind 
that  the  act  of  Urban  VIII  was  a  purely  disciplinary  act, 

24 


METERS 

one  which  the  Church  may  recall  at  any  time,  and  one  which 
she  probably  will  recall,  for  the  work  of  the  revisers  is  now 
generally  regarded  as  a  mistake.  The  hymns  in  their  old 
form  are  still  found  in  the  Breviaries  of  the  Benedictines, 
Dominicans,  Cistercians,  Carthusians,  and  probably  a  few 
others.  And,  strangely  enough,  they  are  still  used  in  the 
two  great  Churches  in  Rome,  St.  Peter's  and  St.  John 
Lateran. 

A  word  yet  remains  to  be  said  as  to  when  hymns  were 
first  made  an  integral  part  of  the  Divine  Office.  It  seems 
fairly  certam  that  St.  Benedict,  who  wrote  his  Rule  some 
ten  or  fifteen  years  before  his  death  in  543,  was  the  first  to 
make  hymns  an  integral  part  of  the  canonical  hours.  St. 
Benedict  invariably  styles  these  hymns  Ambrosiani  but 
does  not  name  them.  A  century  later  hymns  constituted  a 
part  of  the  Office  of  the  secular  clergy  in  Gaul  and  Spain. 
Rabanus  Maurus  (d.  856)  testifies  that  hymns  were  in  gen- 
eral use  in  his  day.  And  last  of  all  Rome  admitted  hymns 
into  the  Divine  Office  in  the  twelfth  century.  It  must  not  be 
inferred,  however,  that  no  hymns  were  sung  in  the  churches 
throughout  the  West  until  they  were  officially  recognized 
as  a  part  of  the  liturgical  Office.  From  the  days  of  St. 
Ambrose  (d.  397)  the  singing  of  Latin  hymns  in  the  Church 
occupied  the  same  position  that  is  now  accorded  the  sing- 
ing of  hymns  in  the  vernacular.  This  is  true  even  of  con- 
servative Rome  long  before  the  twelfth  century.  It  might 
be  recalled  that  Pope  St.  Gregory  the  Great  (d.  604),  him- 
self a  hymn-writer  of  note,  was  for  several  years  before 
his  elevation  to  the  Papacy  a  Benedictine  abbot  in  the  mon- 
astery of  St.  Andrew  on  the  CaBlian  Hill.  While  there  he 
must  have  become  familiar  with  the  Ambrosiani  of  the 
Benedictine  Office  which  he  sang  daily.  Nor  is  it  conceiv- 
able, from  what  we  know  of  his  life,  that  as  Pope  he  should 
not  have  encouraged  the  singing  of  hymns  in  the  churches 
of  Rome. 

Metees 

A  considerable  variety  of  meters  has  been  employed  by 
the  Christian  poets  in  the  composition  of  Latin  hymns. 

25 


INTRODUCTION 

These  meters  or  verse  forms  receive  their  name  partly  from 
the  foot  that  chiefly  predominates  in  them;  as,  Iambic, 
Trochaic,  and  partly  from  the  number  of  meters  or  meas- 
ures they  contain;  as.  Dimeter,  Trimeter;  or  from  the 
name  of  the  author  who  originated  or  employed  a  certain 
kind  of  verse:  as,  Sapphic,  Glyconic,  Asclepiadic,  etc. 

By  far  the  greater  part  of  the  hymns  is  written  in 
Iambic  and  Trochaic  meters.  In  these  meters  Latin  verses 
are  measured  not  by  single  feet  as  in  English,  but  by  pairs 
or  dipodies.  In  Latin  it  requires  four  Iambi  or  Trochees  to 
make  a  Dimeter,  while  in  English  a  verse  with  the  same 
number  of  feet  is  called  a  Tetrameter.  A  Dimeter,  there- 
fore, in  these  meters,  contains  four  Iambi  or  Trochees;  a 
Trimeter  six;  and  a  Tetrameter  eight. 

The  Romans  learned  their  poetry,  as  they  learned  the 
other  fine  arts,  from  the  Greeks.  About  two  centuries  be- 
fore Christ  the  influence  of  Greek  poetry  began  to  manifest 
itself  in  the  writings  of  Ennius,  "the  Father  of  Roman 
poetry."  The  influence  of  Greek  models  increased  from 
year  to  year  till  it  culminated  in  the  immortal  works  of 
Horace  and  Virgil  in  the  Golden  Age  of  Latin  literature. 
Horace  exemplifies  all  that  is  best  in  Latin  poetry,  and  it 
was  the  poetry  of  Horace  and  his  contemporaries  that  was 
the  delight  of  the  cultured  Romans  whose  taste  had  been 
formed  on  Greek  models.  This  poetry,  it  need  scarcely  be 
said,  was  strictly  quantitative. 

But  together  with  this  classical  poetry  there  co-existed, 
and  that  too  from  the  beguming  of  Latin  letters,  a 
purely  rhythmical  poetry,  a  poetry  of  the  people,  in  which 
the  ballads  and  folk  songs  of  the  common  people  were 
written.  The  common  people  knew  nothing  of  quantity 
with  its  artificial  and  arbitrary  rules  which  the  poets  had 
made.  Quantitative  poetry  was  therefore  the  poetry  of  the 
educated;  rhythmical  or  accentual  poetry  was  the  poetry 
of  the  common  people.  Now,  the  early  hymns  of  the 
Church  were  likewise  the  songs  of  the  people,  and  were 
necessarily  written  in  a  manner  that  would  appeal  to  all 
the  people  and  not  merely  to  the  cultured  classes.  This 
was  effected  by  St.  Ambrose  and  by  the  earlier  writers 
of  the  Ambrosian  school,  by  a  compromise  between  the 

26 


METERS 

quantitative  and  the  rhythmical  principles.  These  writers 
made  use  of  the  simplest  of  all  the  lyric  meters,  the  Iambic 
Dimeter,  with  its  regular  succession  of  short  and  long  syl- 
lables ;  but  they  took  care  that  the  accents  should  in  general 
fall  on  the  long  syllables.  Their  quantitative  hymns  can 
therefore  be  read  rhythmically.  In  the  composition  of  his 
hymns,  St.  Ambrose  did  not  make  use  of  any  greater  licenses 
than  did  Horace  and  his  contemporaries.  -Later  on,  how- 
ever, it  is  noticeable  that  less  and  less  attention  was  paid  to 
quantity  and  greater  attention  to  accent  which  began  to  re- 
place it.  As  early  as  the  fifth  century  many  hymn-writers 
employed  the  rhythmical  principle  only.  This  process  con- 
tinued until  in  the  Middle  Ages  all  sense  of  long  and  short 
syllables  had  vanished,  and  hymns  were  written  in  accen- 
tual, non-quantitative  meters.  In  studying  the  hymns 
chronologically,  it  will  be  observed  also  that  the  growth  of 
rhyme  kept  pace  with  the  growth  of  accent. 

The  scales  given  below  illustrate  the  common  quantitative 
forms  of  the  various  meters  employed  in  the  composition  of 
Latin  hymns.  In  non-quantitative  Latin  hymns,  and  in 
English  hymns,  accent  marks  may  be  substituted  for  the 
marks  indicating  the  long  syllables. 

Scale  "A**  Iambic  Dimeter 


Te  lucis  ante  terminum,  Before  the  ending  of  tlie  day, 

Rerum  Creator  poscimus,  Creator  of  the  world,  we  pray 

Ut  pro  tua  dementia  That  with  Thy  wonted  favor  Thou 

Sis  praesul  et  custodia.  Wouldst  be  our  Guard  and  Keeper 

now. 

In  this  meter  a  spondee  or  an  anapest  may  be  used  in  the 
first  and  third  foot.  By  far  the  greater  part  of  the  Breviary 
hymns  are  composed  in  this  meter.  In  English  this  is  the 
well-known  Long  Meter  (L.  M.)  exemplified  above. 

27 


INTRODUCTION 
Scale  "B"  Iambic  Trimeter 


Decora  lux  seternitatis  auream 
Diem  beatis  irrigavit  ignibus, 
Apostolorum  quae  coronat  principes, 
Reisque  in  astra  liberam  pandit  viam. 

The  beauteous  light  of  God's  eternal  majesty 
Streams  down  in  golden  rays  to  grace  this  holy  day 
Which  crowned  the  princes  of  th'  Apostles'  glorious  choir 
And  unto  guilty  mortals  showed  the  heavenward  way. 

A  spondee  or  an  anapest  may  be  used  in  the  odd-num- 
bered feet  of  the  Latin  hymns.  See  hymns :  89,  91, 116,  117, 
124,  128. 

Scale  "C"  Trochaic  Dimeter 


Dies  iras,  dies  ilia,  Day    of    wrath,    that    day    whose 

Solvet  saeclum  in  favilla:  knelling 

Teste  David  cum  Sibylla.  Gives     to     flames     this     earthly 

dwelling; 
Psalm  and  Sibyl  thus  foretelling. 

The  Dies  Irce  alone  is  written  in  this  meter.   Hymn  87. 
Scale  **D'*  Trochaic  Dimeter  Catalectic 


Veni  Sancte  Spiritus,  Holy  Spirit,  Lord  of  light, 

Et  emitte  coelitus  From  the  clear  celestial  height, 

Lucis  tuae  radium.  Thy  pure  beaming  radiance  give. 

See  hjnoin  67,  which  alone  is  written  in  this  meter.   The 

28 


METERS 

Stahat  Mater  is  composed  of  six-line  stanzas  of  trochaic 
dimeters,  the  third  and  sixth  lines  being  catalectic.  See 
hymns  54  and  57,  with  their  translations. 

Scale  **B"         Trochaic  Dimeter  Brachycatalectic 


Ave  maris  Stella,  Ave,  Star  of  ocean, 

Dei  Mater  Alma,  Child  Divine  who  barest, 

Atque  semper  Virgo,  Mother,  Ever-Virgin, 

Felix  coeli  porta.  Heaven's  portal  fairest. 

In  this  hymn  (alone)  each  line  consists  of  three  trochees. 
"Brachycatalectic,"  i.e.,  wanting  two  syllables  or  the  last 
foot  of  the  final  dipody.  See  hymn  149  and  its  two  transla- 
tions. 

Scale  **F"  Trochaic  Tetrameter  Catalectic 


Pange,  lingua,  gloriosi  lauream  certaminis, 

Et  super  crucis  trophaeo  die  triumphum  nobilem, 

Qualiter  Redemptor  orbis  immolatus  vicerit. 

Sing,  my  tongue,  the  glorious  battle,  sing  the  ending  of  the  fray; 
Now  above  the  Cross,  the  trophy,  sound  the  loud  triumphant  lay: 
Tell  how  Christ,  the  world's  Redeemer,  as  a  Victim  won  the  day. 

The  caesura  uniformly  follows  the  fourth  foot — thus  di- 
viding each  verse  into  a  trochaic  dimeter  acatalectic,  and  a 
trochaic  dimeter  catalectic;  thus, 

Pange  lingua  gloriosi  Sing,    my    tongue,    the    glorious 

Lauream  certaminis,  etc.  battle, 

Sing  the  ending  of  the  fray,  etc. 

In  the  Breviary  the  lines  are  uniformly  broken  in  two 
at  the  caesura,  thus  forming  stanzas  of  six  lines.  See  hymns 
52,  53,  76, 119, 132, 134B,  168  and  their  English  translations. 

29 


INTRODUCTION 

Scale  "Q'*  The  Asclepiadic  Strophe 


Sanctorum  meritis  inclyta  gaudia 
Pangamus  socii  gestaque  fortia: 
Gliscens  fert  animus  promere  cantibus 
Victorum  genus  optimum. 

This  strophe  consists  of  three  Asclepiadic  lines  and  one 
Glyconic.  The  above  is  a  classical  specimen  of  a  hymn  writ- 
ten in  this  meter.  See  the  translations  of  hymns  77, 136, 159. 

There  is  some  difference  of  opinion  as  to  how  the  classical 
Asclepiadic  strophe  should  be  read.  This  question  is  dis- 
cussed in  the  article  on  this  hymn  in  the  Cath.  Encycl.  How- 
ever, the  majority  of  those  who  read  these  hymns  in  the 
Breviary,  read  them  rhythmically  as  if  written  in  dactyls. 
This  is  well  exemplified  in  another  article  in  the  same  work 
on  the  hymn  Sacris  solemniis — a  hymn  written  in  accentual, 
non-quantitative  measures : 

Lo!  the  Angelic  Bread  feedeth  the  sons  of  men: 
Figures  and  types  are  fled  never  to  come  again. 
0  what  a  wondrous  thing!  lowly  and  poor  are  fed, 
Banqueting  on  their  Lord  and  King. 

Hymns:  77,  92,  93,  94,  104, 118,  131,  136,  159. 
Scale  "//"  The  Sapphic  Strophe 


Ecce  jam  noctis  tenuatur  umbra. 
Lux  et  auroras  rutilans  coruscat: 
Supplices  rerum  Dominum  canora 
Voce  precemur. 

Lo!  the  dim  shadows  of  the  night  are  waning; 
Lightsome  and  blushing,  dawn   of  day  retumeth; 
Fervent  in  spirit,  to  the  mighty  Father 
Pray  we  devoutly. 

SO 


THE  CANONICAL  HOURS 

Each  of  the  first  three  lines  of  the  Sapphic  strophe  con- 
sists of  a  trochee,  spondee,  dactyl,  and  two  trochees.  The 
last  syllable  may  be  long  or  short.  The  fourth  line  is  Adonic, 
and  consists  of  a  dactyl  followed  by  a  spondee.  In  the  first 
three  lines  the  place  for  the  caesura  is  generally  after  the 
fifth  syllable.  See  hymns:  7,  10,  96,  105,  106,  113,  114,  115, 
121,  135,  160,  164.  Most  of  these  hymns  are  translated  in 
the  meters,  Sapphic  and  Adonic,  of  the  originals. 

The  Canonical  Houes 

The  canonical  hours  are:  Matins,  Lauds,  Prime,  Terce, 
Sext,  None,  Vespers  and  Compline.  Matins  is  composed  of 
parts  called  Nocturns  or  Vigils,  two  or  three  in  number. 
Lauds  was  originally  the  concluding  part  of  Matins.  Even 
now  Matins  and  Lauds  are  scarcely  ever  separated.  The 
traditional  view  is  that  the  Nocturns  of  Matins  were  recited 
at  different  times  during  the  night.  Outside  of  monastic 
communities,  however,  the  observance  of  such  nightly  Vigils 
would  scarcely  be  possible. 

There  is  in  the  Breviary  a  hymn  assigned  to  each  of  the 
canonical  hours.  Many  of  these  hymns  contain  allusions 
which  are  better  understood  in  both  the  literal  and  sym- 
bolical sense,  when  it  is  known  at  what  particular  part  of 
the  day  or  night  the  hymn  was  formerly  sung.  The  follow- 
ing table  will  be  found  sufficiently  accurate  for  all  practical 
purposes. 

Table** A"  When  the  Canonical  Hours  Were  Formerly  Said 

Prime,  at  6:00  A.  M.  First  Nocturn  of  Matins  at  9:00 
Terce,  at  9:00  A.  M.  P.  M. 

Sext,  at  12:00  M.  Second  Nocturn  of  Matins  at  12 :00 
None,  at  3:00  P.  M.  P.  M. 

Vespers,  at  6:00  P.  M.  Third  Nocturn  of  Matins  at  3:00 
CompHne,  at  nightfall  A.  M. 

Lauds  was  said  at  daybreak 

In  appointing  these  times  for  the  recitation  of  the  can- 
onical hours,  the  Church  had  in  mind  the  greater  divisions 
or  hours  of  the  Roman  day.  The  Romans  divided  the  day, 
from  sunrise  to  sunset,  into  twelve  equal  parts  called 
** hours."    These  were  the  common  hours.    **Are  there  not 

31 


INTRODUCTION 

twelve  hours  of  the  day?"  (John  11,  9).  They  also  (as  did 
the  Jews  after  the  conquest)  divided  the  day  into  four 
greater  hours,  and  the  night  into  four  watches  {custodies, 
vigilicE,  nodes)  each  of  which  was  of  three  common  hours' 
duration.  As  the  hours  or  watches  of  the  Roman  day  and 
night  were  based  on  solar  time,  they  varied  in  length  with 
the  season  of  the  year.  The  season  of  the  equinox  is  uni- 
formly taken  as  the  standard.  At  that  time  the  duration  of 
day  and  night  being  equal,  the  hours  and  watches  were 
also  equal.  The  following  Tables  illustrate  the  greater  di- 
visions of  the  Roman  day  and  night,  and  a  comparison 
with  Table  **A"  will  show  how  the  Church  adopted  the 
ancient  Roman  subdivisions  of  the  day  and  night  as  times 
of  prayer. 

Table  **B"        The  Greater  Hours  of  the  Roman  Day 

The  First  Hour  (Roman  time)  was  from  6:00  A.  M.  to  9:00  A.  M.  (our  time) 
The  Third  Hour  (Roman  time)  was  from  9:00  A.  M.  to  12:00  M.  (our  time) 
The  Sixth  Hour  (Roman  time)  was  from  12:00  M.  to  3:00  P.  M.  (our  time) 
The  Ninth  Hour  (Roman  time)  was  from  3:00  P.  M.  to  6:00  P.  M.  (our  time) 
(6:00  A.M.  Prime;  9:00  A.M.  Terce;  12:00  M.  Sext;  3:00  P.M.  None;  6:00  P.M. 
Vespers.) 

Table  **C*'  Roman  Divisions  of  the  Night 

The  First  Watch,  "evening,"  was  from  6:00  P.  M.  to  9:00  P.  M.  (our  time) 
The  Second  Watch,  "midnight,"  was  from  9:00  P.  M.  to  12:00  P.  M,  (our  time) 
The  Third  Watch,  "cock-crowing,"  was  from  12:00  P.  M.  to  3:00  A.  M.  (our  time) 
The  Fourth  Watch,  "morning,"  was  from  3:00  A.  M.  to  6:00  A.  M.   (our  time) 

These  hours  and  watches  are  frequently  mentioned  in 
the  New  Testament.  In  a  single  verse  St.  Mark  refers  to 
the  four  watches.  "You  know  not  when  the  lord  of  the 
house  Cometh;  at  even,  or  at  midnight,  or  at  the  cock-crow- 
ing, or  in  the  morning"  (xiii,  35).  The  Catholic  Encyclo- 
pedia contains  instructive  articles  on  each  of  the  canonical 
hours;  there  is  also  an  article  on  Breviary,  and  one  on 
Noctums. 


32 


®f)e  llpmns!  of  tf)e  pretiiarj» 
anb  iHigsal 


Part  I 

^t^  ^vmnn  of  tfie  $s;altet: 

PRIME 

Jam  lucis  orto  sidere 


JAM  lucis  orto  sidere 
Deum  precemur  supplices, 
Ut  in  diurnis  actibus 
Nos  servet  a  nocentibus. 


^Linguam  refraenans  temperet, 
Ne  litis  horror  insonet: 
Visum  fovendo  contegat, 
Ne  vanitates  hauriat. 


•Sint  pura  cordis  intima, 
Absistat  et  vecordia: 
Camis  terat  superbiam 
Potus  cibique  parcitas. 

•Ut  cum  dies  abscesserit, 
Noctemque  sors  reduxerit, 


NOW  in  the  sun's  new  dawning 
ray, 
Lowly  of  heart,  our  God  we  pray 
That  He  from  harm  may  keep  us 

free 
In  all  the  deeds  this  day  shall  see. 

May    fear    of    Him    our    tongues 

restrain, 
Lest     strife     unguarded     speech 

should  stain: 
His  favoring  care  our  guardian  be, 
Lest  our  eyes  feed  on  vanity. 

May  every  heart  be  pure  from  sin, 
And  folly  find  no  place  therein: 
Scant  meed  of  food,  excess  denied, 
Wear  down  in  us  the  body's  pride. 

That  when  the  light  of  day  is  gone, 
And  night  in  course  shall  follow 
on. 


33 


THE  PSALTER 

Mundi  per  abstinentiam  We,   free   from  cares  the  world 

Ipsi  canamus  gloriam.  affords, 

May  chant  the  praise  that  is  our 
Lord's. 

'^  Deo  Patri  sit  gloria,  All  laud  to  God  the  Father  be, 

Ej usque  soli  Filio,  All  praise,  Eternal  Son,  to  Thee: 

Cum  Spiritu  Paraclito,  All  glory,  as  is  ever  meet. 

Nunc,  et  per  omne  sseculum.  To  God  the  holy  Paraclete, 

Author  :  Ambrosian,  5th  cent.  Meter  :  Iambic  dimeter. 
Translation  by  Alan  G.  McDougall.  There  are  about 
thirty  translations.  Liturgical  Use:  Hymn  for  Prime 
daily  throughout  the  year.  Read  the  article  on  Prime  in 
the  Cath,  Encycl. 

1.  ''The  star  of  light  being  now  risen,  let  us  humbly 
beseech  God,  that  in  our  daily  actions  He  may  keep  us  from 
all  harm."  Lucis  sic?M5=sol;  Prime  was  said  at  sunrise. 

2.  ''Bridling,  may  He  restrain  the  tongue,  lest  the  jar- 
ring discord  of  strife  resound;  may  He  lovingly  veil  our 
sight  lest  it  drink  in  vanities."  Fovendo:  "The  ablative  of 
the  gerund  and  gerundive  is  used  to  express  manner,  means, 
cause,  etc.  In  this  use,  the  ablative  of  the  gerund  is,  in 
later  writers  nearly,  and  in  medieval  writers  entirely,  equiva- 
lent to  a  present  participle"  (Allen  and  Greenough's  New 
Latin  Grammar,  507).  Linguam:  Qui  enim  vult  vitam 
diligere,  et  dies  videre  bonos,  coerceat  linguam  suam  a 
malo,  et  labia  ejus  ne  loquantur  dolum  (I  Peter  3, 10).  For 
an  exposition  of  the  sins  of  the  tongue,  read  the  third  chap- 
ter of  St.  James'  Epistle.  Visum:  Averte  oculos  meos, 
ne  videant  vanitatem  (Ps.  118,  37). 

3.  "May  the  inmost  recesses  of  the  heart  be  pure,  and 
may  folly  cease;  may  the  sparing  use  of  food  and  drink 
wear  down  the  pride  of  the  flesh. ' '  Parcitas :  In  multis  enim 
escis  erit  infirmitas  .  .  .  Propter  crapulam  multi  obier- 
unt;  qui  autem  abstinens  est,  adjiciet  vitam  (Ecclus.  37, 
33-34). 

4.  "That  when  the  day  has  departed,  and  fate  has 
brought  back  the  night,  still  pure  by  virtue  of  abstinence, 
we  may  sing  His  glory."  Sors,  fate,  divine  ordinance, 
Ipsif  dative,  to  Him. 

84 


TERCE 

5.  "Glory  be  to  God  the  Father,  and  to  His  only  Son, 
together  with  the  Holy  Ghost,  the  Comforter,  both  now  and 
forever. ' ' 


TERCE 

Nunc  Sancte  nobis  Spiritus 


NUNC  Sancte  nobis  Spiritus, 
Unum  Patri  cum  Filio, 
Dignare  promptus  ingeri 
Nostro  refusus  pectori. 

^  Os,  lingua,  mens,  sensus,  vigor 
Confessionem  personent, 
Flammescat  igne  caritas, 
Accendat  ardor  proximos. 


'Praesta,  Pater  piissime, 
Patrique  compar  Unice, 
Cum  Spiritu  Paraclito 
Regnans  per  omne  saeculum. 


GOME,   Holy   Ghost,   who   ever 
One 
Art  with  the  Father  and  the  Son, 
It  is  the  hour,  our  souls  possess 
With  Thy  full  flood  of  holiness. 

Let  flesh  and  heart  and  lips  and 
mind 

Sound  forth  our  witness  to  man- 
kind; 

And  love  light  up  our  mortal 
frame, 

Till  others  catch  the  living  flame. 

Grant  this,  0  Father,  ever  One 
With    Christ,    Thy    sole-begotten 

Son, 
And  Holy  Ghost,  whom  all  adore, 
Reigning  and  blest  forevermore. 


Author:  Possibly  by  St.  Ambrose  (340-397).  Meter: 
Iambic  dimeter.  Translation  by  Cardinal  Newman,  There 
are  about  twenty  translations.  Liturgical  Use  :  Hymn  for 
Terce  daily  throughout  the  year.  In  this  hymn  we  ask  the 
Holy  Spirit  to  take  possession  of  our  hearts  and  inflame 
them  with  the  fire  of  divine  love.  It  is  appropriate  as  a 
hymn  for  Terce,  the  Third  Hour,  for  it  was  at  that  hour 
(9:00  A.  M.)  on  Pentecost  Day,  that  the  Holy  Ghost  de- 
scended upon  the  Apostles  (Acts  2,  15).  Read  the  article 
on  Terce  in  the  Cath.  Encycl. 

1.  **  Deign  now,  0  Holy  Spirit,  who  art  One  with  the 
Father  and  the  Son,  to  come  to  us  without  delay,  and  be 
diffused  in  our  hearts."  JJimm:  The  neuter  is  here  used 
substantively  and  signifies  unity  or  sameness  of  nature 

35 


THE  PSALTER 

and  substance.  It  is  so  used  in  the  Vulgate :  Pater,  Verbum, 
et  Spiritus  Sanctus;  et  hi  tres  unum  sunt.  (I  John  5,  7). 
Ego  et  Pater  unum  smnus  (John  10,  30).  Unum  Patri=^ 
unum  cum  Patre;  the  dative  here  expresses  aflBnity,  rela- 
tionship, etc.,  as  do  such  adjectives  as  affinis,  similis,  par, 
and  impar.  Dignare,  imper.  of  dignor.  Ingeri,  to  be  in- 
fused. Refusus=dif£usviB,  diffused;  refusus  is  by  enallage 
used  for  refimdi,  as  the  Holy  Spirit  must  first  come  to  the 
soul  before  He  can  be  diffused  therein.  This  stanza  might 
be  paraphrased: — 0  Sancte  Spiritus,  qui  es  unum  (una 
substantia)  cum  Patre  et  Filio,  dignare  nunc  promptus 
ingeri  nobis,  et  refundi  nostro  pectori. 

2.  "May  mouth,  tongue,  mind,  sense,  and  strength  pro- 
claim Thy  praise;  may  our  charity  in  its  fervor  glow 
brightly,  and  may  the  flame  thereof  enkindle  the  hearts  of 
our  neighbors." 

3.  *' Grant  this,  0  most  loving  Father,  and  Thou,  only- 
begotten  Son,  equal  to  the  Father,  who  reignest  eternally 
with  the  Holy  Ghost,  the  Comforter. ' ' 

SEXT 

3  Rector  potens»  verax  Deus 

RECTOR  potens,  verax  Deus,     f\  GOD    of   truth,    0   Lord   of 
Qui  temperas  rerum  vices,        ^~^       might, 
Splendore   mane   illuminas,  Who    orderest    time    and    change 

Et  ignibus  meridiem:  aright. 

Who    send'st    the    early   morning 

ray, 
And  light' St  the  glow  of  perfect 
day: 

'  Exstingue  flammas  litium,  Extinguish  Thou  each  sinful  fire, 

Aufer  calorem  noxium,  And  banish  every  ill  desire; 

Confer  salutem  corporum,  And  while  Thou  keep'st  the  body 

Veramque  pacem  cordium.  whole, 

Shed   forth   Thy  peace   upon  the 
soul. 

'  Praesta,  Pater  piissime.  Almighty  Father,  hear  our  cry, 

Patrique  compar  Unice,  Through  Jesus  Christ,  Our  Lord 


most  High, 


36 


NONE 

Cum  Spiritu  Paraclito  Who,   with   the   Holy   Ghost   and 

Regnans  per  omne  saeculura.  Thee, 

Doth  live  and  reign  eternally. 

Author:  Possibly  by  St.  Ambrose  (340-397).  Meter: 
Iambic  dimeter.  Translation  by  J.  M.  Neale.  There  are 
about  twenty  translations.  Liturgical,  Use:  Hymn  for 
Sext  daily  throughout  the  year.  Sext  was  said  at  noon. 
The  great  heat  of  the  noonday  sun  is  compared  to  the  heat 
of  the  passions  which  we  beseech  God  to  extinguish.  We 
implore  Him  also  to  grant  us  health  of  body  and  peace  of 
soul.  Read  the  separate  articles  on  this  hymn  and  on  Sext, 
in  the  Cath.  Encycl. 

1.  ' '  0  mighty  Ruler,  truthful  God,  who  dost  regulate  the 
changes  of  things,  with  splendor  dost  Thou  light  up  the 
morning,  and  with  burning  heat  the  noonday, ' '  Verax  Deus : 
Est  autem  Deus  verax:  omnis  autem  homo  mendax,  sicut 
scriptum  est  (Rom.  3,  4).  Splendore:  ''Splendor"  is  here 
the  beauteous,  beneficent  light  of  the  morning,  in  contra- 
distinction to  the  sweltering  heat  of  midday. 

2.  "Extinguish  Thou  the  flames  of  strife,  remove  harm- 
ful heat,  grant  health  of  body  and  true  peace  of  heart." 
Litium:  Noli  contendere  verbis  (II  Tim.  2,  14).  Color  em 
noxium:  evil  desires.  Pacem  cordium:  Pacem  relinquo 
vobis,  pacem  meam  do  vobis;  non  quomodo  mundus  dat, 
ego  do  vobis.  Non  turbetur  cor  vestrum,  neque  formidet 
(John  14,  27). 


NONE 
♦  Rerum  Deus  tenax  vigor 

RERUM  Deus  tenax  vigor,  r\    STRENGTH,    and   stay   up- 

Immotns  in  te  permanens,        ^^       holding  all  creation, 
Lucis  diurnae  tempora  Who  ever  dost  Thyself  unmoved 

Successibus  determinans:  abide, 

Yet  day  by  day  the  light  in  due 

gradation 
From  hour  to  hour  through  all  its 
changes  guide: 

87 


THE  PSALTER 

*Largire  lumen  vespere,  Grant  to   life's  day  a   calm  un« 

Quo  vita  nusquam  decidat,  clouded  ending, 

Sed  praemium  mortis  sacrse  An  eve  imtouched  by  shadows  of 

Perennis  instet  gloria.  decay, 

The  brightness  of  a  holy  death- 
bed blending 
With  dawning  glories  of  th*  eternal 
day. 

'Praesta,  Pater  piissime,  Hear  us,  0  Father,  gracious  and 

Patrique  compar  Unice,  forgiving, 

Cum  Spiritu  Paraclito  And  thou,  0  Christ,  the  co-eternal 

Regnans  per  omne  saeculum.  Word, 

Who,  with  the  Holy  Ghost,  by  all 

things  living 
Now    and    to    endless    ages    art 
adored. 

Author:  Possibly  by  St.  Ambrose  (340-397).  Meter: 
Iambic  dimeter.  Translation  by  J.  EUerton  and  F.  J.  A. 
Hort.  There  are  about  twenty  translations.  Liturgical. 
Use  :  Hymn  for  None  daily  throughout  the  year.  None,  or 
the  Ninth  Hour  (3:00  P.  M.),  corresponds  to  the  hour  of 
Our  Lord's  death.  In  this  hymn  we  acknowledge  the  omni- 
potence and  providence  of  God;  and  we  ask  that  eternal 
glory  be  the  reward  of  a  holy  death.  Read  the  separate  ar- 
ticles on  None  and  on  this  Hymn,  in  the  Cath.  Encycl.  The 
meter,  iambic  pentameter,  in  the  above  beautiful  transla- 
tion is  unusual  in  the  translation  of  Latin  hymns. 

1.  **0  God,  the  sustaining  power  of  created  things,  who 
in  Thyself  dost  remain  unmoved,  and  dost  determine  our 
times  by  successive  changes  of  the  light  of  day : ' '  Immotus, 
unchanged.  Tempora:  The  regular  divisions  of  time  as 
marked  off  by  the  progress  of  the  sun  in  the  heavens.  Suc- 
cessus,  progress,  advance,  a  succession  of  time. 

2.  ''Bestow  Thou  upon  us  Thy  light  in  the  evening  (of 
life),  that  life  may  never  fail  us,  but  that  eternal  glory 
may  await  us  as  the  reward  of  a  holy  death."  Largire, 
imper.  of  largior.    Lumen,  the  light  of  glory. 


88 


COMPLINE 


Te  lucis  ante  terminum 


TE  lucis  ante  terminum, 
Rerura  Creator  poscimus, 
Ut  pro  tua  dementia 
Sis  prsesul  et  custodia. 


'Procul  recedant  somnia, 
Et  noctium  phantasmata; 
Hostemque  nostrum  comprime, 
Ne  poUuantur  corpora. 


'Praesta,  Pater  piissime, 
Patrique  compar  Unice, 
Cum  Spiritu  Paraclito 
Regnans  per  omne  saeculum. 


OEFORE  the  ending  of  the  day, 
•*-'  Creator  of  the  world,  we  pray 
That  with  Thy  wonted  favor  Thou 
Wouldst  be  our  Guard  and  Keeper 
now. 

From  all  ill  dreams  defend  our 

eyes, 
From  nightly  fears  and  fantasies; 
Tread  under  foot  our  ghostly  foe, 
That  no  pollution  we  may  know. 

0  Father,  that  we  ask  be  done, 
Through  Jesus  Christ,  Thine  only 

Son; 
Who,   with  the  Holy  Ghost  and 

Thee, 
Doth  live  and  reign  eternally. 


Author:  Ambrosian,  7th  cent.  Meter:  Iambic  dimeter. 
Translation  by  J.  M.  Neale.  There  are  thirty-five  transla- 
tions, five  of  which  are  in  Mr.  Shipley's  Annus  Sanctus. 
Liturgical  Use  :  Hymn  for  Compline  daily  throughout  the 
year.  As  the  Jam  lucis  orto  sidere,  which  was  said  at  sun- 
rise, is  an  important  part  of  Prime,  the  Morning  Prayer  of 
the  Church,  so  the  Te  lucis  ante  terminum,  which  was  said 
at  nightfall,  is  an  appropriate  and  equally  beautiful  part  of 
Compline,  the  Evening  Prayer  of  the  Church.  Read  the 
separate  articles  on  Compline  and  on  the  Te  lucis  ante 
terminum  in  the  Cath.  Encycl. 

1.  *  *  Before  the  end  of  daylight,  0  Creator  of  the  world, 
we  beseech  Thee,  that  in  accordance  with  Thy  mercy.  Thou 
wouldst  be  our  Protector  and  our  Guard."  Terminum  lucis: 
Compline  was  said  after  sunset,  but  before  complete  dark- 
ness enveloped  the  earth. 

2.  **Far  off  let  dreams  and  phantoms  of  the  night  de- 
part ;  restrain  Thou  our  adversary  lest  our  bodies  become 
defiled."  Somnia,  foul  dreams;  phantasmata  {phantasma, 

39 


THE  PSALTER 

atis),  delusions.  Both  words  convey  with  them  the  addi- 
tional idea  of  uncleanness.  In  Mr.  C.  Kent's  translation, 
they  are  rendered  by  *'evil  dreams"  and  ''fancies  with 
voluptuous  guile."  Hostem,  the  devil,  the  great  adversary 
of  man.  In  the  beginning  of  Compline  we  are  cautioned  to 
be  vigilant,  for  our  ' '  adversary,  the  devil,  goeth  about  like 
a  roaring  lion,  seeking  whom  he  may  devour"  (I  Peter  5, 8). 


SUNDAY  AT  MATINS 


Primo  die,  quo  Trinitas 


PRIMO  die,  quo  Trinitas 
Beata  raundum  condidit, 
Vel   quo  resurgens  Conditor 
Nos  morte  victa  liberal: 


HAIL   day!    whereon   the   One 
in  Three 
First   formed   the   earth   by   sure 

decree, 
The  day  its  Maker  rose  again, 
And  vanquished  death,  and  burst 
our  chain. 


^Pulsis  procul  torporibus, 
Surgamus  omnes  ocyus, 
Et  nocte  quaeramus  Deum, 
Propheta  sicut  praecipit: 

^Nostras  preces  ut  audiat, 
Suamque  dextram  porrigat, 
Et  expiatos  sordibus 
Reddat  polorum  sedibus: 


Away  with  sleep  and  slothful  ease ! 
We  raise  our  hearts  and  bend  our 

knees. 
And  early  seek  the  Lord  of  all, 
Obedient  to  the  Prophet's  call. 


That 


He    may 
prayer, 


hearken    to    our 


Stretch  forth  His  strong  right  arm 

to  spare, 
And  ev'ry  past  offense  forgiven, 
Restore  us  to  our  home  in  heaven. 


*Ut,  quique  sacratissimo 
Hujus  diei  tempore 
Horis  quietis  psallimus, 
Donis  beatis  muneret. 

''Jam  nunc,  paterna  claritas, 
Te  postulamus  affatim : 
Absint  faces  libidinis, 
Et  omnis  actus  noxius. 


Assembled  here  this  holy  day, 
This  holiest  hour  we  raise  the  lay; 
And  0  that  He  to  whom  we  sing, 
May  now  reward  our  offering! 

O  Father  of  unclouded  light! 
Keep  us  this  day  as  in  Thy  sight, 
In  word  and  deed  that  we  may  be 
From  ev'ry  touch  of  evil  free. 


40 


SUNDAY  AT  MATINS 

'  Ne  f oeda  sit,  vel  lubrica  That  this  our  body's  mortal  frame 

Compago  nostri  corporis.  May  know   no   sin,   and   fear  no 

Ob  cujus  ignes  ignibus  shame, 

Avernus  urat  acrius.  Nor  fire  hereafter  be  the  end 

Of    passions    which    our    bosoms 
rend. 

^Mundi  Redemptor,  quaesumus.         Redeemer  of  the  world,  we  pray 
Tu  probra  nostra  diluas:  That  Thou  wouldst  wash  our  sins 

Nobisque  largus  commoda  away, 

Vitae  perennis  conferas.  And   give   us,    of   Thy  boundless 

grace, 
The    blessings    of    the    heavenly 
place. 

'Prsesta,  Pater  piissime.  Most  Holy  Father,  hear  our  cry, 

Patrique  compar  Unice,  Through   Jesus    Christ    our    Lord 

Cum  Spiritu  Paraclito  most  High 

Regnans  per  omne  saeculum.  Who,   with   the   Holy   Ghost   and 

Thee 
Shall  live  and  reign  eternally. 

Author:  St.  Gregory  the  Great  (540-604).  Meter:  Iambic 
dimeter.  Translation  by  J.  M.  Neale  and  others,  from  The 
New  Office  Hymn  Book.  There  are  about  twenty  transla- 
tions. Liturgical  Use  :  Hymn  for  Matins  from  the  Octave 
of  the  Epiphany  until  the  first  Sunday  of  Lent,  and  from  the 
Sunday  nearest  to  the  Calends  of  October  until  Advent. 
First  line  of  Original  Text:  Primo  dierum  omnium. 

1.  *'0n  the  first  day,  on  which  the  Blessed  Trinity 
created  the  world,  and  on  which  the  Creator  rising,  after 
vanquishing  death,  liberated  us, ' '  Primo  die  —  Sunday,  ihe 
day  on  which  God  began  the  creation  of  the  world.  For  the 
Work  of  each  of  the  Six  Days,  see  the  Vespers  Hymns  of  the 
Psalter,  Nos.  23-28.  Conditor:  the  Creator,  God  the  Son, 
who  rose  from  the  dead  on  Sunday.  In  this  stanza  the  cre- 
ation of  the  world  is  ascribed  to  the  Trinity,  and  then  to  the 
Son,  or  Word  alone,  of  whom  it  was  said :  All  things  were 
made  by  Him,  and  without  Him  was  made  nothing  that  was 
made  (John  1,  3).  The  divine  nature,  the  attributes,  and  the 
external  works  of  the  three  Persons  of  the  Holy  Trinity  are 
common  to  all  of  Them.  However,  the  Redemption  of  the 
world  is  the  personal  work  of  the  Son,  in  the  sense  that  He 

41 


THE  PSALTER 

alone  became  incarnate   and  suffered  and  died  for  us. 

2.  "Banishing  sloth  afar,  let  us  all  rise  quickly,  and  by 
night  seek  God  as  the  Prophet  commands,"  Ocyus,  comp.  of 
ociter.  Propheta:  The  Prophet  referred  to  is  David,  the 
Eoyal  Psalmist.  Media  nocte  surgebam  ad  confitendum  tibi 
(Ps.  118,  62).  In  noctibus  extollite  manus  vestras  in  sancta, 
et  benedicite  Dominum  (Ps.  133,  2). 

3.  ''That  He  may  hear  our  prayers,  and  stretch  forth 
to  us  His  right  hand,  and  restore  us,  purified  from  sin,  to 
the  abodes  of  heaven;"  Dextram:  The  right  hand  is  a  sym- 
bol of  power,  strength;  the  stretching  forth  of  the  right 
hand  signifies  the  exercise  of  power. 

4.  * '  That  He  may  reward  with  blessed  gifts  all  of  us  who 
sing  His  praises  in  the  most  hallowed  time  of  this  day,  in 
the  hours  of  rest. ' '  Constr. :  Ut  quique  sacratissimo  hujus 
diei  tempore  ....  psallimus,  (eos)  donis  beatis  muneret. 
Quique:  This  use  of  quisque  for  quicunque  or  quisquis,  who- 
soever, every  one  who,  all  that,  is  common  in  the  Breviary 
and  in  ante-  and  post-classical  Latin  generally. 

5.  **We  now  also  earnestly  entreat  Thee,  0  Splendor 
of  the  Father,  that  the  flames  of  lust,  and  every  evil  deed  be 
far  removed  from  us."  Paterna  claritas,  Christ,  whom  St. 
Paul  styles.  Splendor  Patris  (cf.  Heb.  1,  3;  see  also  the 
opening  line  of  Hymn  12).  Actus  noxius,  sin. 

6.  ''Lest  the  structure  of  our  body  become  foul  or  de- 
filed, and  on  account  of  its  evil  desires,  hell  with  its  flames 
should  burn  the  more  fiercely. ' '  Ignes,  the  fires  of  the  pas- 
sions, the  desires  of  the  flesh. 

7.  "We  beseech  Thee,  0  Redeemer  of  the  world,  that 
Thou  wash  away  our  sins,  and  generously  bestow  upon  us 
the  reward  of  eternal  life." 

SUNDAY  AT  MATINS 
7  Nocte  surgentes 

IVrOCTE     surgentes     vigilemus  IVfOW,  from  the  slumbers  of  the 

■*•  ^     omnes,  -L  '       night  arising, 

Semper    in    psalmis    meditemur,  Chant  we  the  holy  psalmody  of 
atque  David, 

42 


SUNDAY  AT  MATINS 

Voce  concordi  Domino  canamus     Hymns  to  our  Master,  with  a  voice 
Dulciter  hymnos.  concordant, 

Sweetly  intoning. 

*Ut  pio  Regi  pariter  canentes.  So    may    our    Monarch    pitifully 

Cum     suis     Sanctis     mereamur  hear  us, 

aulam  That    we    may    merit    with    His 

Ingredi  coeli,  simul  et  perennem  Saints  to  enter 

Ducere  vitam.  Mansions      eternal,      therewithal 

possessing 

Joy  beatific. 

'Praestet  hoc  nobis  Deltas  beata       This  be  our  portion,  God  forever 
Patris,  ac  Nati,  pariterque  sancti  blessed, 

Spiritus,  cujus  resonat  per  om-     Father    eternal.    Son,    and    Holy 
nam  Spirit, 

Gloria  mimdiun.  Whose  is  the  glory,  which  through 

all  creation 
Ever  resoundeth. 

Author:  Pope  St.  Gregory  the  Great  (540-604).  Meter: 
Sapphic  and  Adonic.  Translation,  a  cento  from  The 
Eymner,  in  the  meter  of  the  original.  The  translation  has 
been  altered  to  adapt  it  to  the  Roman  Breviary  Text.  There 
are  about  twenty  translations.  Liturgical  Use:  Matins 
hymn  from  the  third  Sunday  after  Pentecost  till  the  Sun- 
day nearest  the  Calends  of  October.  This  is  the  companion 
hymn  of  Ecce  jam  7ioctis,  No.  10. 

1.  ''Bising  by  night,  let  us  all  keep  watch  and  ever  de- 
vote our  minds  to  psalmody,  and  with  harmonious  voices  let 
us  sing  sweet  hymns  to  the  Lord."  P salmis:  The  Psalms 
constitute  the  principal  part  of  the  Divine  Office.  They  are 
so  arranged  in  the  Psalter  that  the  150  Psalms  are  said 
each  week. 

2.  *  *  That  singing  to  the  loving  King,  together  with  His 
Saints,  we  may  merit  to  enter  the  royal  court  of  heaven,  and 
with  them  enjoy  eternal  life." 

3.  ''May  the  Blessed  Deity  of  the  Father,  Son,  and  like- 
wise of  the  Holy  Spirit,  whose  glory  resounds  throughout 
the  whole  world,  grant  us  this." 


43 


THE  PSALTER 
8  Te  Deum 

TE  Deum  laudamus:  *  te  Dom-     \¥7E  praise  Thee,  0  God:   we 
inum  confitemur.  ^      acknowledge    Thee    to    be 

the  Lord. 

'Te    aeternum    Patrem    *    omnis     Thee,  the  Eternal  Father,  all  the 
terra  veneratur.  earth  doth  worship. 

^Tibi  omnes  Angeli,  *  tibi  coeli,     To  Thee  all  the  Angels,  to  Thee 
et  universae  potestates:  the   Heavens,   and   all  the 

Powers  therein: 

*Tibi  Cherubim  et  Seraphim,  *     To  Thee  the  Cherubim  and  Sera- 
incessabili     voce     procla-  phim  with  unceasing  voice 

mant:  cry  aloud: 

'Sanctus,  *  Sanctus,  *  Sanctus,  *     Holy,  Holy,  Holy,  Lord  God  of 
Dominus  Deus  Sabaoth.  Sabaoth. 

'Pleni  sunt  coeli  et  terra  *  ma-     The   heavens   and   the   earth   are 
jestatis  gloriae  tuae.  full  of  the  majesty  of  Thy 

glory. 

^Te    gloriosus     *     Apostolorum     Thee,  the   glorious   choir   of  the 
chorus.  Apostles, 

*Te    Prophetarum    *    laudabilis     Thee,  the  admirable  company  of 
numerus,  the  Prophets, 

•Te     Martyrum     candidatus     *     Thee,    the    white-robed    army    of 
laudat  exercitus.  Martyrs  doth  praise. 

^*  Te  per  orbem  terrarum  *  sancta     Thee,  the  Holy  Church  through- 
confitetur  Ecclesia,  out  the  world  doth  confess, 

"  Patrem   *    immensae  ma  jestatis.     The  Father  of  infinite  majesty, 

"Venerandum  tuum  verum  *  et     Thine   adorable,   true,    and    only 
unicum  Filium,  Son, 

"Sanctum  quoque   *  Paraclitum     Also  the  Holy  Ghost,  the  Com* 
Spiritmn.  forter. 

"  Tu  Rex  gloriae  *  Christe.  Thou,  0  Christ,  art  the  King  of 

glory. 

44 


TE  DEUM 


^^  Tu  Patris  *  sempiternus  es  Filius.     Thou  art  the  Everlasting  Son  of 

the  Father. 

"Tu  ad   liberandum   suscepturus     Thou,  when  about  to  take  upon 


hominem:   *  non  horruisti 
Virginis  uterum. 


"  Tu  devicto  mortis  aculeo :  *  ape- 
ruisti  credentibus  regna 
ccelorum. 


*'Tu  ad  dexteram  Dei  sedes, 
gloria  Patris. 


m 


"Judex  crederis  *  esse  venturus. 


Thee  human  nature  to  re- 
deem the  world,  didst  not 
disdain  the  Virgin's  womb. 

When  Thou  hadst  overcome  the 
sting  of  death,  Thou  didst 
open  to  believers  the  king- 
dom of  heaven. 

Thou  sittest  at  the  right  hand  of 
God,  in  the  glory  of  the 
Father. 

Thou,  we  believe,  art  the  Judge 
to  come. 


^"Te  ergo  quaesumus,  tuis  famulis     We  beseech  Thee,  therefore,  help 

Thy  servants  whom  Thou 
hast  redeemed  with  Thy 
Precious  Blood. 

Make  them  to  be  numbered  with 
Thy  Saints,  in  glory  ever- 
lasting. 

Save  Thy  people,  0  Lord,  and 
bless  Thine  inheritance. 


subveni:    *    quos    pretioso 
sanguine  redemisti. 

^^  Sterna  f  ac  cum  Sanctis  tuis  *  in 
gloria  numerari. 

"Salvum  fac  populum  tuum 
Domine,  *  et  benedic  haere- 
ditati  tuae. 

^'Et  rege  eos,  *  et  extolle  illos 
usque  in  seternum. 

^*Per  singulos  dies  *  benedicimus 
te. 

"Et  laudamus  nomen  tuum  in 
saeculum  *  et  in  saeculum 
saeculi. 

^'Dignare  Domine  die  isto  *  sine 
peccato  nos  custodire. 

"Miserere  nostri  Domine:  *  mi- 
serere nostri. 


And   rule  them,  and  exalt  them 
forever. 

Day  by  day,  we  bless  Thee. 


And  we  praise  Thy  Name  forever; 
yea,  forever  and  ever. 


Vouchsafe,  0  Lord,  this  day,  to 
keep  us  without  sin. 


Have  mercy  on  us,  0  Lord;  have 
mercy  on  us. 


45 


THE  PSALTER 

^'Fiat   misericordia   tua    Domine     Let  Thy  mercy,  0  Lord,  be  upon 
super  nos,  *  quemadmodum  us ;  even  as  we  have  hoped 

speravimus  in  te.  in  Thee. 

^®  In  te  Domine  speravi:  *  non  con-     In  Thee,  0  Lord,  have  I  hoped: 
fundar  in  seternum.  let  me  not  be  confounded 

forever. 

Author:  Probably  by  St.  Nicetas  (335-415).  Liturgical 
Use:  In  general,  the  Te  Deum  is  said  in  the  Office  at  the  end 
of  Matins  whenever  the  Gloria  in  excelsis  is  said  at  Mass. 
This  rule  is  sufficiently  accurate  for  those  who  use  the 
Eoman  Breviary.  In  addition  to  its  liturgical  use,  the  Te 
Deum  is  used  in  many  extra-liturgical  functions  as  a  hymn 
of  thankskiving  on  occasions  of  great  solemnity,  such  as  the 
election  of  a  pope,  the  consecration  of  a  bishop,  the  benedic- 
tion of  an  abbot,  canonization  of  a  saint,  religious  profes- 
sions, etc. 

The  Te  Deum  is  written  in  rhythmical  prose.  There  are 
about  twenty-five  metrical  translations  and  several  prose 
versions  in  English.  The  vigorous  and  justly  popular  trans- 
lation by  Father  Walworth  is  given  below. 

The  Cath.  Encycl,  contains  a  scholarly  article  on  the  Te 
Deum.  Read  also  the  articles  on  St.  Nicetas,  Sanctus,  Sab- 
aoth,  and  many  others  which  the  text  readily  suggests. 

Analysis 
The  Te  Deum  consists  of  three  distinct  parts : 

Part  I  (verses  1-13)  contains  a  hymn  of  praise  to  the 
blessed  Trinity;  the  praise  of  Earth  and  of  the  Angelic 
choirs;  the  praise  of  the  Church  Triumphant  and  of  the 
Church  Militant. 

Part  II  (verses  14-21)  is  a  hymn  in  praise  of  Christ,  the 
Redeemer.  It  proclaims  the  glory  of  Christ,  the  Eternal 
Son  of  the  Father — His  incarnation,  victory  over  death, 
exaltation,  future  coming,  and  terminates  with  a  prayer  of 
supplication  for  those  redeemed  by  the  Precious  Blood,  that 
they  may  be  numbered  among  the  Saints. 

Part  III  (verses  22-29)  is  composed  principally  of  verses 
from  the  Psalms.  It  contains  a  prayer  of  petition  for  the 

46 


TE  DEUM 

divine  assistance  and  guidance;  a  declaration  of  our 
fidelity;  a  prayer  for  deliverance  from  sin  during  the  day 
(about  to  begin) ;  it  closes  with  a  prayer  for  mercy  for 
those  who  have  hoped  in  the  Lord. 

In  the  following  Notes,  the  numbers  refer  to  the  verses 
of  the  Te  Deum: 

5.  Sanctus:  The  **Tersanctus"  is  found  in  both  the  Old 
Testament  (Is.  6,  3)  and  in  the  New  (Apoc.  4,  8).  Supply 
es,  art  Thou. 

7.  Apostolorum:  Note  the  climax:  the  small  number  of 
Apostles,  the  greater  number  of  Prophets,  the  white-robed 
army  of  Martyrs,  the  Church  throughout  the  world. 

9.  Marty  rum:  Only  Martyrs  were  venerated  in  the  early 
Church.  The  first  non-Martyrs  venerated  in  the  West  were 
Pope  St.  Sylvester  (d.  335)  and  St.  Martin  of  Tours  (d. 
397).  Candidatus,  white-robed.  The  Blessed  in  general  are 
represented  as  clothed  with  white  robes  (cf.  Apoc.  7,  9-14). 

14.  Rex  gloria:  David  in  prophecy  referring  to  the  ascen- 
sion of  the  Messias  styles  Him  ''the  King  of  Glory"  (Pa. 
23,  7-10).  The  whole  Psalm  is  very  beautiful. 

16.  Hominem  =  naturam  humanam.  This  verse  does  not 
lend  itself  readily  to  translation.  The  difficulty  is  with  the 
proper  rendering  of  suscepturus  hominem:  (some  texts 
have  suscepisti,  but  this  is  immaterial).  Since  the  Primer 
of  1546,  translations  like  the  following  have  found  their 
way  into  most  of  our  books  of  devotion: — "Thou,  having 
taken  upon  Thee  to  deliver  man";  ''When  Thou  tookest 
upon  Thee  to  deliver  man."  It  is  needless  to  say  that  such 
renderings  mean  something  quite  different  from  the  fol- 
lowing :  **Thou,  when  about  to  take  upon  Thee  man  (i.e, 
human  nature)  to  liberate  the  human  race,  didst  not  abhor 
the  Virgin's  womb."  After  liberandum  some  supply 
mundum,  others  hominem,  men,  the  human  race.  Horruisti, 
variously  rendered — fear,  abhor,  disdain,  shrink  from,  etc. 

17.  Mortis  aculeo:  (cf.  I  Cor.  15,  55-56). 

18.  Dexter  am  Dei:  a  figurative  expression  signifying  the 
place  of  highest  honor,  power,  and  glory  in  heaven  (Ps.  109, 
1 ;  Mark  16, 19).  Sedes:  sittest,  i.e.,  abidest,  remainest.  This 
implies  no  particular  posture  of  body. 

19.  Crederis,  passive.  Thou  art  believed. 

47 


THE  PSALTER 

20.  Redemisti:  (cf.  I  Peter  1,  18-19)  Verses  22-23  are 
taken  verbatim  from  Psalm  27,  9. 

22.  Hcereditati  tuce:  Thine  own ;  those  whom  Thou  hast  re- 
deemed. 

24.  Per  singulos  dies:  every  day;  from  Psalm  144,  2. 

27.  Miserere:  verbatim  from  Psalm  122,  3. 

28.  Fiat:  verbatim  from  Psalm  32,  22. 

29.  In  te:  verbatim  from  Psalm  30,  2. 

The  following  translation  preserves  much  of  the  spirit 
and  force  of  the  original.  The  seventh  stanza  is  a  render- 
ing of  verses  20-21  by  Monsignor  Henry.  The  remaining 
stanzas  are  by  Father  Walworth,  whose  translation  does 
not  contain  a  rendering  of  verses  20-21.  The  numbers  pre- 
ceding a  stanza  refer  to  the  verses  of  the  Te  Deum  rendered 
in  that  stanza. 

1-2 
Holy  God,  we  praise  Thy  Name, 
Lord  of  all,  we  bow  before  Thee; 
All  on  earth  Thy  scepter  claim. 
All  in  heaven  above  adore  Thee; 
Infinite  Thy  vast  domain. 
Everlasting  is  Thy  reign. 

3-6 
Hark,  the  loud  celestial  hymn 
Angel  choirs  above  are  raising; 
Cherubim  and  Seraphim 
In  unceasing  chorus  praising. 
Fill  the  heavens  with  sweet  accord; 
Holy,  Holy,  Holy  Lord! 

7-10 
Lo,  the  Apostolic  train 
Join,  Thy  sacred  Name  to  hallow: 
Prophets  swell  the  loud  refrain. 
And  the  white-robed  Martyrs  follow; 
And,  from  morn  till  set  of  sim. 
Through  the  Church  the  song  goes  on. 

11-13 
Holy  Father,  Holy  Son, 
Holy  Spirit,  Three  we  name  Thee, 
While  in  Essence  only  One, 

48 


SUNDAY  AT  LAUDS 

Undivided  God  wc  claim  Thee: 
And,  adoring,  bend  the  knee 
While  we  own  the  mystery. 

14-17 

Thou  art  King  of  glory,  Christ; 
Son  of  God,  yet  born  of  Mary; 
For  us  sinners  sacrificed, 
And  to   death   a  tributary: 
First  to  break  the  bars  of  death. 
Thou  hast  opened  heaven  to  faith. 

18-19 
From  Thy  high  celestial  home, 
Judge  of  all,  again   returning, 
We  believe  that  Thou  shalt  come 
In  the  dreadful  Doomsday  morning; 
When  Thy  voice  shall  shake  the  earth. 
And  the  startled  dead  come  forth. 

20-21 

Therefore  do  we  pray  Thee,  Lord: 
Help   Thy  servants  whom,  redeeming 
By  Thy  Precious  Blood  outpoured. 
Thou  hast  saved  from  Satan's  scheming. 
Give  to  them  eternal  rest 
In  the  glory  of  the  Blest. 

22,  26,  29 
Spare  Thy  people.  Lord,  we  pray, 
By  a  thousand  snares  surrounded: 
Keep  us  without  sin  to-day. 
Never  let  us  be  confounded. 
Lo,  I  put  my  trust  in  Thee; 
Never,  Lord,  abandon  rae. 

SUNDAY  AT  LAUDS 
?  Sterne  rerum  conditor 

AETERNE  rerum  Conditor,  lyTAKER  of  all,  eternal  King, 

Noctem  diemque  qui  regis,       -■-'-■■  Who   day   and   night   about 
Et  temporum  das  tempora,  dost  bring: 

Ut  alleves  fastidium.  Who  weary  mortals  to  relieve, 

Dost  in  their  times  the  seasons 


give: 


49 


THE  PSALTER 


^Nocturna  lux  viantibus 
A  nocte  noctem  segregans, 
Prseco  diei  jam  sonat, 
Jubarque  solis  evocat. 


^Hoc  excitatus  lucifer 
Solvit  polum  caligine: 
Hoc  omnis  erronum  cohors 
Viam  nocendi  deserit. 


*Hoc  nauta  vires  colligit, 
Pontique  mitescunt  freta: 
Hoc,  ipsa  petra  Ecclesiae, 
Canente,  culpam  diluit. 


"Surgamus  ergo  strenue: 
Gallus  jacentes  excitat, 
Et  somnolentos  increpat, 
Gallus  negantes  arguit. 


•Gallo  canente  spes  redit, 
^gris  salus  refunditur, 
Mucro  latronis  conditur, 
Lapsis  fides  revertitur. 

'Jesu  labantes  respice, 
Et  nos  videndo  corrige: 
Si  respicis,  labes  cadunt, 
Fletuque  culpa  solvitur. 


Now  the  shrill  cock  proclaims  the 

day, 
And    calls    the    sun's    awak'ning 

ray — 
The  wand'ring  pilgrim's  guiding 

light, 
That  marks  the  watches  night  by 

night. 

Roused  at  the  note,  the  morning 

star 
Heaven's  dusky  veil  uplifts  afar: 
Night's  vagrant  bands  no  longer 

roam, 
But  from  their  dark  ways  hie  them 

home. 

The  encouraged  sailor's  fears  are 

o'er, 
The    foaming    billows    rage    no 

more: 
Lo!  e'en  the  very  Church's  Rock 
Melts  at  the  crowing  of  the  cock. 

O  let  us  then  like  men  arise; 
The  cock  rebukes  our  slumbering 

eyes. 
Bestirs  who  still  in  sleep  would 

lie. 
And  shames  who  would  their  Lord 

deny. 

New  hope  his  clarion-note  awakes, 
Sickness  the  feeble  frame  forsakes, 
The   robber   sheathes  his   lawless 

sword. 
Faith  to  the  fallen  is  restored. 

Look  on  us,  Jesu,  when  we  fall, 
And    with    Thy    look    our   souls 

recall : 
If  Thou  but   look,   our  sins  are 

gone, 
And  with  due  tears  our  pardon 

won. 


60 


SUNDAY  AT  LAUDS 

'Tu  lux  refulge  sensibus,  Shed    through    our    hearts    Thy 

Mentisque  somnum  discute:  piercing  ray, 

Te  nostra  vox  primum  sonet,  Our    souls'    dull    slumber    drive 

Et  vota  solvamus  tibi.  away: 

Thy    Name    be    first    on    every 

tongue, 
To  Thee  our  earliest  praises  sung. 

"  Deo  Patri  sit  gloria,  All  laud  to  God  the  Father  be, 

Ejusque  soli  Filio,  All  praise,  Eternal  Son,  to  Tliee, 

Cum  Spiritu  Paraclito,  All  glory,  as  is  ever  meet. 

Nunc,  et  per  omne  saeculum.  To  God  the  holy  Paraclete. 


Author  :  St.  Ambrose  (340-397) .  Meter  ;  Iambic  dimeter. 
Translation  by  W.  J.  Copeland  as  altered  in  The  Hymner. 
There  are  eighteen  translations.  Liturgical  Use  :  Hymn  for 
Lauds  on  Sunday  from  the  Octave  of  the  Epiphany  until  the 
first  Sunday  of  Lent,  and  from  the  Sunday  nearest  the 
Calends  of  October  until  Advent.  The  jEterne  rerum  Con- 
ditor,  though  written  on  so  simple  a  subject  as  cock-crow- 
ing, is  one  of  the  most  beautiful  hymns  in  the  Breviary.  It 
would  be  a  mistake,  however,  to  infer  from  the  simplicity 
of  the  theme,  that  it  presents  either  few  or  slight  difficulties 
to  the  translator.  The  eminent  hymnologist,  L'abbe  Pimont, 
in  his  Les  Hymnes  du  Breviaire  Romam,  deemed  it  neces- 
sary to  give  a  prose  translation  of  but  this  one  hymn.  It  is 
one  of  the  five  Breviary  hymns  that  Trench  includes  in  his 
Sacred  Latin  Poetry, 

1.  ''Eternal  Maker  of  the  world,  who  rulest  both  the 
night  and  day,  and  givest  a  variety  of  seasons  to  relieve 
monotony!"  Temporum,  times,  seasons;  tempora,  changes, 
variety.  Fastidium,  lit.,  a  loathing,  aversion;  here, 
monotony,  wearisomeness,  humdrum. 

2.  '*A  nocturnal  light  to  wayfarers,  separating  watch 
from  watch,  the  herald  of  the  day  sends  forth  his  cry  and 
calls  forth  the  rays  of  the  sun."  Lux:  variously  rendered 
— light,  star,  moon,  light  of  a  lamp,  etc.  The  meaning  seems 
to  be  that  the  crowing  of  the  cock  serves  for  the  nocturnal 
traveler  as  a  lamp,  a  kindly  guide  to  the  habitations  of  men. 
A  node  noctem:  nox  is  here  used  in  the  sense  of  watch — a 
fourth  part  of  the  night.  The  cock  by  his  crowing,  at  mid- 
51 


THE  PSALTER 

night  and  at  dawn,  separates  the  watches  of  the  night.  This 
use  of  nox  for  vigilia  is  not  uncommon. 

In  stanzas  3  and  4,  the  pronoun  hoc  occurs  four  times.  In 
each  instance  it  may  be  considered  as  an  ablative  absolute — 
supplying  canente  from  the  last  line  of  the  fourth  stanza;  or 
it  may  be  translated  as  an  ablative  of  instrument — By  him 
(the  cock). 

3.  '*  While  he  sings,  the  awakened  morning  star  disen- 
thralls the  heavens  of  darkness;  all  the  bands  of  night- 
prowlers  abandon  their  deeds  of  violence. ' '  Lucifer,  lit.,  the 
light-bringer,  the  morning  star.  Erronum,  from  erro,  onis, 
a  vagabond,  vagrant.  Viam,  way,  path,  life,  deeds. 

4.  **  While  he  sings,  the  sailor  gathers  new  strength,  the 
raging  of  the  sea  subsides :  while  he  sings,  the  very  Rock 
of  the  Church  washes  away  his  sin."  Petra  Ecclesice,  St. 
Peter.  Et  ego  dico  tibi  quia  tu  es  Petrus,  et  super  hanc 
petram  ssdificabo  ecclesiam  meam  (Matt.  16,  18).  Culpam 
diluit:  Prius  quam  gallus  cantet,  ter  me  negabis.  Et 
egressus  foras,  flevit  amare  (Matt.  26,  75). 

5.  '  *  Let  us,  therefore,  rise  with  alacrity ;  the  cock  awakens 
the  sleepers,  chides  the  drowsy,  and  rebukes  the  unwilling. ' ' 
Note  the  climax, — jacentes,  somnolentos,  negantes, — the 
sleepers,  the  drowsy,  the  unwilling;  also  in  the  verbs, — 
excitat,  increpat,  arguit, — awakens,  chides,  rebukes.  **  Cock- 
crowing,"  says  Trench,  ''had  for  the  early  Christians  a  mys- 
tical significance.  It  said,  '  The  night  is  far  spent,  and  the 
day  is  at  hand.'  And  thus  the  cock  became,  in  the  Middle 
Ages,  the  standing  emblem  of  the  preachers  of  God's  word. 
The  old  heathen  notion  that  the  lion  could  not  bear  the  sight 
of  the  cock,  easily  adapted  itself  to  this  new  symbolism. 
Satan,  the  roaring  lion  (I  Peter  5,  8)  fled  away  terrified,  at 
the  faithful  preaching  of  God's  word.  Nor  did  it  pass  un- 
noticed, that  this  bird,  clapping  its  wings  upon  its  sides, 
first  rouses  itself,  before  it  seeks  to  rouse  others"  {Sacred 
Latin  Poetry,  p.  244).  There  is  a  similar  passage  in  the 
Regula  Pastoralis  Curce,  III,  40,  of  St.  Gregory  the  Great. 

6.  ''At  the  crowing  of  the  cock,  hope  returns ;  health  is  re- 
stored to  the  sick ;  the  sword  of  the  robber  is  sheathed ;  con- 
fidence returns  to  the  fallen."  JEgris  salus:  "Man's  tem- 
perature is  lowest  and  his  pulse  rate  feeblest  in  the  early 

52 


SUNDAY  AT  LAUDS 

morning  hours  usually  between  three  and  five.  During  the 
night  the  pulse  rate  probably  drops  at  least  ten  beats  .... 
and  the  temperature  drops  nearly  two  degrees  from  its 
daily  climax." — James  J.  Walsh,  M.D.,  Ph.D.,  in  America, 
Oct.  7, 1916,  p.  613. 

7.  ''0  Jesus,  look  with  compassion  upon  the  wavering, 
and  correct  us  with  Thy  look  (as  Thou  didst  correct  Peter) : 
if  Thou  dost  but  look,  our  sins  vanish,  and  our  guilt  is 
washed  away  by  our  tears."  Labantes,  from  lahare,  to 
waver,  to  be  unstable. 

8.  **0  Light,  shine  Thou  into  our  hearts,  dispel  the  leth- 
argy of  the  soul;  may  our  voice  first  praise  Thee,  and  to 
Thee  may  we  pay  our  vows."  Vota  solvere,  to  keep  one's 
promises ;  to  fulfill  one 's  vows. 


SUNDAY  AT  LAUDS 


10 


Ecce  jam  noctis 


ECCE     jam     noctis     tenuatur 
umbra, 
Lux  et  aurorae  rutilans  coruscat: 
Supplices  rerum  Dominum  canora 
Voce  precemur: 


^  Ut  reos  culpae  miseratus,  omnem 
Pellat  angorem,  tribuat  salutem, 
Donet  et  nobis  bona  sempiternae 


Munera  pacis. 


LO,    the    dim    shadows    of   the 
night  are  waning; 
Lightsome  and  blushing,  dawn  of 

day  returneth; 
Fervent  in   spirit,  to  the  world's 
Creator 
Pray  we  devoutly: 

That  He  may  pity  sinners  in  their 

sighing, 
Banish  all  troubles,  kindly  health 

bestowing; 
And   may   He   grant   us,    of   His 

countless  blessings, 

Peace  that  is  endless. 


'Praestet  hoc  nobis  Deitas  beata 

Patris,  ac  Nati,  pariterque  sancti 

Spiritus,  cujus  resonat  per  omnem 

Gloria  mundum. 


This  be  our  portion,  God  forever 

blessed, 
Father    eternal,    Son,    and    Holy 

Spirit, 
Whose  is  the  glory,  which  through 

all  creation 
Ever  resoundeth. 


63 


THE  PSALTER 

Author:  Pope  St.  Gregory  the  Great  (540-604).  Meteb: 
Sapphic  and  Adonic.  Translation  based  on  a  translation 
of  the  Original  Text,  by  M.  J.  Blacker,  but  here  rewritten 
in  part  to  adapt  it  to  the  Roman  Breviary  Text.  There  are 
fifteen  translations.  Liturgical  Use  :  Hymn  for  Lauds  from 
the  third  Sunday  after  Pentecost  until  the  Sunday  nearest 
the  Calends  of  October.  This  is  the  companion  hymn  of 
Node  Surgentes,  No.  7. 

1.  "Behold,  now  the  shadows  of  the  night  are  fading 
away,  and  the  ruddy  light  of  dawn  breaks  forth ;  suppliantly 
let  us  with  harmonious  voices  invoke  the  Lord  of  creation," 
Rutilans,  ruddy,  rosy-fingered. 

2.  ''That  He  may  have  pity  on  those  guilty  of  sin,  that 
He  may  banish  trouble,  bestow  health,  and  confer  upon  us 
the  good  gifts  of  everlasting  peace." 

3.  The  doxology  as  in  hymn  7. 


11 


SUNDAY  AT  MATINS 
Somno  refectis  artubus 


SOMNO  refectis  artubus, 
Spreto  cubili  surgimus; 
Nobis,  Pater,  canentibus 
Adesse  te  deposcimus. 


'Te  lingua  primum  concinat, 
Te  mentis  ardor  ambiat: 
Ut  actuum  sequentiura 
Tu,  sancte,  sis  exordium. 


'Cedant  tenebrae  lumini, 
Et  nox  diurno  sideri, 
Ut  culpa,  quam  nox  intulit, 
Lucis  labascat  munere. 

*Precamur  iidem  supplices, 
Noxas  ut  omnes  amputes, 


OUR     limbs     refreshed     with 
slumber  now. 
And  sloth  cast  ofi",  in  prayer  we 

bow; 
And  while  we  sing  Thy  praises 

dear, 
0  Father,  be  Thou  present  here. 

To    Thee    our    earliest    morning 

song, 
To  Thee  our  hearts'  full  powers 

belong; 
And  Thou,  O  Holy  One,  prevent 
Each  following  action  and  intent. 

As  shades  at  morning  flee  away, 
And  night  before  the  star  of  day; 
So  each  transgression  of  the  night 
Be  purged  by  Thee,  celestial  Light ! 

Cut    off,    we    pray    Thee,    each 

offense. 
And   every   lust   of  thought  and 

sense; 


64 


MONDAY  AT  LAUDS 

Et  ore  te  canentium  That  by  their  lips  who  Thee  adore 

Lauderis  omni  tempore.  Thou  mayst   be   praised   forever- 

more. 

'Praesta,  Pater  piissime,  Grant  this,  0  Father  ever  One 

Patrique  compar  Unice,  With  Christ,  Thy  sole-begotten  Son, 

Cum  Spiritu  Paraclito  And  Holy  Ghost,  whom  all  adore, 

Regnans  per  omne  saeculum.  Reigning  and  blest  forevermore. 

Author  :  St.  Ambrose  (340-397).  Metee  :  Iambic  dimeter. 
Translation  by  J.  M.  Neale.  There  are  seventeen  transla- 
tions. 

1.  ''Our  limbs  having  been  refreshed  with  sleep,  spum- 
ing our  bed,  we  rise ;  0  Father,  we  beseech  Thee,  that  Thou 
be  near  us,  who  sing  Thy  praises. ' '  Spreto  cubili,  abl.  ab- 
solute. 

2.  ''Let  our  tongue  first  praise  Thee,  may  the  ardor  of 
our  soul  seek  after  Thee,  that  Thou,  0  Holy  One,  mayest  be 
the  source  of  the  actions  that  follow — throughout  the  day. ' ' 
Exordium,  beginning,  source,  etc.  A  good  morning  of- 
fering will  make  God  the  beginning  or  source  of  all  our 
daily  actions. 

3.  "Let  darkness  give  way  to  light,  and  night  to  the  day- 
star,  that  sin,  which  darkness  brought  in,  may  depart  with 
the  gift  (advent)  of  light."  Light  is  a  symbol  of  Christ; 
night  and  darkness  are  symbols  of  sin  and  of  the  powers  of 
darkness.  Christ  is  the  True  Light  (John  1,  9)  at  whose 
rising  or  advent,  spiritual  darkness  wanes. 

4.  "We  also  suppliantly  pray  that  Thou  remove  all  hurt- 
ful things,  and  that  Thou,  out  of  the  mouths  of  those  prais- 
ing Thee,  mayest  be  forever  praised."  lidem:  "Idem,  the 
same,  is  often  used  where  the  English  requires  an  adverb 
or  adverbial  phrase  (also,  too,  yet,  at  the  same  time)." — 
Allen  and  Greenough's  New  Latin  Grammar,  298,  b.  In 
reading  iidem,  elide  one  i  and  read  idem. 

MONDAY  AT  LAUDS 

12  Splendor  paterncB  gloricB 

SPLENDOR  paternae  gloria,         /~\  SPLENDOR  of  God's  glory 
De  luce  lucem  proferens,  ^^       bright, 

0  Thou  that  bringest  light  from 
light, 
55 


THE  PSALTER 


Lux  lucis,  et  fons  luminis, 
Diem  dies  iiluminans: 


*Verusque  sol  illabere, 
Micans  nitore  perpeti: 
Jubarque  sancti  Spiritus 
Infunde  nostris  sensibus. 

'Votis  vocemus  et  Patrem, 
Patrem  potentis   gratise, 
Patrera  perennis  glorise: 
Culpam  releget  lubricam. 


*Confirmet  actus  strenuos: 
Dentes  retundat  invidi: 
Casus  secundet  asperos: 
Agenda  recte  dirigat. 


'Mentem  gubernet  et  regat: 
Sit  pura  nobis  castitas: 
Fides  calore  ferveat, 
Fraudis  venena  nesciat. 


'Christusque  nobis  sit  cibus, 
Potusque  noster  sit  fides: 
Laeti  bibamus  sobriam 
Profusionem  Spiritus. 


'Laetus  dies  hie  transeat: 
Pudor  sit  ut  diluculum: 
Fides  velut  meridies: 
Crepusculum  mens  nesciat. 


'Aurora  lucem  provehit, 
Cum  luce  nobis  prodeat 
In  Patre  totus  Filius, 
Et  totus  in  Verbo  Pater, 


0  Light  of  Light,  light's  Living 

Spring, 
0  Day,  all  days  illumining. 

0  Thou  true  Sim,  on  us  Thy  glance 
Let  fall  in  royal  radiance, 
The  Spirit's  sanctifying  beam 
Upon  our  earthly  senses  stream. 

The     Father     too     our     prayers 

implore, 
Father  of  glory  evermore, 
The  Father  of  all  grace  and  might, 
To  banish  sin  from  our  delight: 

To  guide  whate'er  we  nobly  do. 
With  love  all  envy  to  subdue. 
To  make  ill -fortune  turn  to  fair. 
And  give  us  grace  our  wrongs  to 
bear. 

Our    mind    be    in    His    keeping 

placed. 
Our  body  true  to  Him  and  chaste, 
Where   only  faith  her   fire  shall 

feed. 
And   burn   the   tares   of   Satan's 

seed. 

And  Christ  to  us  for  food  shall  be. 
From  Him  our  drink  that  welleth 

free. 
The    Spirit's    wine,    that   maketh 

whole, 
And  mocking  not,  exalts  the  soul. 

Rejoicing  may  this  day  go  hence, 
Like  virgin  dawn  our  innocence, 
Like  fiery  noon  our  faith  appear. 
Nor  know  the  gloom  of  twilight 
drear. 

Morn  in  her  rosy  car  is  borne; 
Let  Him  come  forth  our  Perfect 

Morn, 
The  Word  in  God  the  Father  One, 
The  Father  perfect  in  the  Son. 


66 


MONDAY  AT  I.AUDS 

'Deo  Patri  sit  gloria,  All  laud  to  God  the  Father  be; 

Ejusque  soli  Filio,  All  praise,  Eternal  Son,  to  Thee; 

Cum  Spiritu  Paraclito,  All  glory,  as  is  ever  meet. 

Nunc  et  per  omne  saeculum.  To  God  the  Holy  Paraclete. 


Author:  St.  Ambrose  (340-397).  Meter:  Iambic  dimeter. 
Translation  from  The  Yattendon  Bymnal — a  spirited 
translation.  There  are  about  thirty  translations.  The 
Splendor  paternce  gloria  has  been  rightly  styled,  ''A  beau- 
tiful morning  hymn  to  the  Holy  Trinity,  but  especially  to 
Christ  as  the  Light  of  the  World,  and  a  prayer  for  help  and 
guidance  throughout  the  day.  It  is  a  companion  and  sequel 
to  the  Sterne  rerum  Conditor"  (Julian's  Diet,  of 
Hymnology). 

1.  **0  Splendor  of  the  Father's  glory,  bringing  forth 
light  from  light,  0  Light  of  Light,  and  Source  of  light,  Day 
illuminating  day ! ' '  Splendor  glorice :  St.  Paul  styles  Christ : 
Splendor  glorise  et  figura  substantias  ejus  (Patris)  (Heb. 
1,  3).  Christ  is  the  brightness,  or  effulgence,  of  the  Father's 
glory,  and  the  figure,  or  image,  of  His  substance.  The 
similitude  by  which  the  Word  is  styled  the  ''Splendor  of 
the  Father's  glory"  is  based  on  the  sun  of  our  solar  system 
and  the  rays  emanating  unceasingly  therefrom.  The  sun 
represents  the  Father ;  the  rays,  the  Son.  The  figure  must 
not  be  understood  as  implying  any  inequality.  Lux:  Of 
Himself,  Christ  says:  Ego  sum  lux  mundi  (John  8,  12) ;  He 
is  the  "True  Light"  (John  1,  9) ;  "the  Orient  from  on 
High"  (Luke  1,  78),  who  illuminates  by  His  grace  and  by 
the  light  of  faith  "every  man  that  cometh  into  this  world" 
(John  1,1-9). 

2.  "  0  Thou,  true  Sun,  descend,  shining  with  everlasting 
brightness,  and  infuse  into  our  hearts  the  radiance  of  the 
Holy  Spirit."  Illabere,  imper.  of  illabor. 

3.  "In  our  prayers,  let  us  also  implore  the  Father,  the 
Father  of  eternal  glory,  the  Father  of  mighty  grace,  that 
He  may  remove  every  dangerous  inclination  to  sin."  By 
culpa  is  here  meant,  the  inclination  to  sin,  rather  than  sin 
itself. 

4.  ' '  May  He  give  us  strength  for  manly  deeds,  blunt  the 
teeth  of  the  envious  one,  bring  adverse  events  to  a  favor- 

57 


THE  PSALTER 

able  issue,  and  give  us  the  grace  to  act  wisely."  Denies, 
teeth:  fig.,  envy,  ill-will,  rage;  invidi,  the  envious  one,  the 
devil.  Invidia  autem  diaboli  mors  introivit  in  orbem  ter- 
rarum  (Wisd.  2,  24). 

5.  *'May  He  rule  and  direct  our  mind  that  our  chastity 
remain  unsullied ;  may  our  faith  glow  with  fervor,  and  may 
it  know  not  the  poison  of  error."  Nobis,  dat.  of  possession. 

6.  *'May  Christ  be  our  food,  and  faith  our  drink;  joy- 
fully let  us  drink  of  the  sober  affluence  of  the  Spirit." 
Cibus:  In  the  literal  sense,  Christ  is  our  food  in  the  Holy 
Eucharist.  Read  the  words  of  promise  (John  6,  48-59). 
Profusionem:  the  outpouring,  *' sober  affluence,"  "tem- 
perate excess."  The  Original  Text  has  ebrietatem,  inebria- 
tion. The  poet  had  in  mind  the  outpouring  of  the  Holy  Ghost 
upon  the  Apostles  (Acts  2,  esp.  12-17). 

7.  *  *  Joyfully  may  this  day  pass  by ;  may  our  modesty  be 
as  the  dawn,  our  faith  as  the  noonday  sun,  and  may  our 
souls  know  no  twilight. ' ' 

8.  ''The  aurora  leads  on  the  light;  with  the  light  may 
there  appear  to  us  the  whole  Son  in  the  Father,  and  the 
whole  Father  in  the  Word. " 


TUESDAY  AT  MATINS 
13  Consors  paterni  luminis 

CONSORS  paterni  luminis,  r\    LIGHT    of    Light,    0    Day- 

Lux  ipse  lucis,  et  dies,  ^-^       spring  bright, 

Noctem   canendo   rumpimus:  Co-equal  in  Thy  Father's  light: 

Assiste  postulantibus.  Assist    us,    as    with    prayer    and 

psalm 
Thy   servants    break   the   twilight 
calm. 

*Aufer  tenebras  mentium,  All    darkness    from    our    minds 

Fuga  catervas  daemonum,  dispel, 

Expelle  somnolentiam,  And   turn   to   flight  the   hosts   of 

Ne  pigritantes  obruat.  hell: 

Bid  sleepfulness  our  eyelids  fly, 
Lest  overwhelmed  in  sloth  we  lie. 

68 


TUESDAY  AT  LAUDS 


'Sic  Christe  nobis  omnibus 
Indulgeas  credentibus, 
Ut  prosit  exorantibus, 
Quod  praecinentes  psallimus. 

*Praesta,  Pater  piissime, 
Patrique  compar  Unice, 
Cum  Spiritu  Paraclito 
Regnans  per  omne  sseculum. 


Jesu,  Thy  pardon,  kind  and  free, 
Bestow  on  us  who  trust  in  Thee: 
And  as  Thy  praises  we  declare, 
O  with  acceptance  hear  our  prayer. 

D  Father,  that  we  ask  be  done, 
Through  Jesus  Christ,  Thine  only 

Son; 
Who,   with  the   Holy  Ghost  and 

Thee, 
Doth  live  and  reign  eternally. 


Author:  St.  Ambrose  (340-397).  Meter:  Iambic  dimeter. 
Translation  by  J.  W.  Chadwick  and  J.  D.  Chambers.  There 
are  twelve  translations. 

1.  ''0  Sharer  of  the  Father's  Light,  Thyself  the  Light  of 
Light,  and  Day ;  aid  Thou  Thy  suppliants  who  interrupt  the 
night  with  song."  See  the  note  on  the  first  stanza  of  the 
preceding  hymn. 

2.  ''Dispel  the  darkness  of  our  minds,  put  to  flight  the 
hosts  of  evil  spirits,  drive  away  drowsiness  lest  it  over- 
whelm the  slothful. ' ' 

3.  ' '  So,  0  Christ,  grant  pardon  to  all  of  us  who  believe  in 
Thee,  that  what  we  singing  express  in  our  songs,  may  be 
profitable  to  Thy  suppliants."  Prcdcinere  3,  to  sing  or  play 
before,  to  praise. 


14 


TUESDAY  AT  LAUDS 
Ales  diet  nuntius 


\  LES  diei  nuntius 
•^*-  Lucem     propinquam     prae- 

cinit: 
Nos  excitator  mentium 
Jam  Christus  ad  vitam  vocat. 

^Auferte,  clamat,  lectulos, 
^gro  sopore  desides: 
Castique,  recti,  ac  sobrii 
Vigilate,  jam  sum  proximus. 


AS  the  bird,  whose  clarion  gay 
Sounds   before   the   dawn    is 
grey, 
Christ,  who  brings  the  spirit's  day, 
Calls  us,  close  at  hand: 

"Wake!"  He  cries,  "and  for  my 

sake. 
From    your    eyes    dull    slumbers 

shake ! 
Sober,   righteous,   chaste,   awake! 
At  the  door  I  stand!" 


69 


THE  PSALTER 

'Jesum  ciamus  vocibus,  Lord,  to  Thee  we  lift  on  high 

Flentes,  precantes,  sobrii:  Fervent  prayer  and  bitter  cry: 

Intenta  supplicatio  Hearts  aroused  to  pray  and  sigh 
Dormire  cor  mundum  vetat.  May  not  slumber  more: 

*Tu,  Christe,  somnum  discute:  Break  the  sleep  of  Death  and  Time, 

Tu  rumpe  noctis  vincula:  Forged  by  Adam's  ancient  crime; 

Tu  solve  peccatum  vetus.  And  the  light  of  Eden's  prime 
Novumque  lumen  ingere.  To  the  world  restore! 

'Deo  Patri  sit  gloria.  Unto  God  the  Father,  Son, 

Ejusque  soli  Filio,  Holy  Spirit,  Three  in  One, 

Cum  Spiritu  Paraclito  One  in  Three,  be  glory  done, 
Nunc  et  per  omne  sseculum.  Now  and  evermore. 

Author:  Prudentius  (348-413).  Meter:  Iambic  dimeter. 
Translation  by  W.  J.  Courthope.  There  are  twelve  trans- 
lations. This  hymn  is  a  cento  from  the  Hymn  at  Cock-Crow, 
the  first  of  the  twelve  hymns  of  the  Cathemerinon  of 
Prudentius.  There  are  twenty-five  four-line  stanzas  in  the 
Hymn  at  Cock-Crow.  The  Ales  diei  nuntius  is  composed  of 
stanzas  1,  2,  21,  and  25  of  the  complete  hymn.  This  hymn 
affords  a  fair,  but  by  no  means  an  extreme,  illustration  of 
the  manner  in  which  centos  have  been  taken  from  the  hymna 
of  Prudentius  for  Breviary  use. 

The  hymns  for  Lauds  on  Tuesday,  Wednesday,  and 
Thursday  are  from  the  Cathemerinon.  It  will  be  observed 
that  they  are  replete  with  figurative  expressions.  As  dark- 
ness and  mists  are  symbolical  of  sin  and  unbelief,  so  light 
is  a  symbol  of  truth  and  of  Christ.  In  studying  these  three 
hymns,  attention  should  be  paid  to  the  figurative,  rather 
than  to  the  literal  meaning  of  their  lines.  Mr.  Courthope 's 
spirited  translations  preserve  much  of  the  spirit  and  beauty 
of  the  originals.  In  these  translations  the  following  stanza 
immediately  precedes  the  doxology.  It  is  not  a  translation 
of  any  part  of  the  Latin  text : 

Now  before  Thy  throne,  while  we 
Ask,  upon  our  bended  knee, 
That  this  blessing  granted  be, 
And  Thy  grace  implore; 

The  above  note  applies  equally  to  hymns  14, 16,  and  18. 

60 


WEDNESDAY  AT  MATINS 

1.  "The  winged  herald  of  the  day  proclaims  the  ap- 
proaching light;  now  Christ,  the  awakener  of  souls,  calls 
us  to  life."  The  ''winged  messenger"  is  the  cock,  who  in 
Christian  symbolism  is  a  symbol  of  early  rising  and  vig- 
ilance. Propinquam,  approaching;  Lauds  was  said  at  day- 
break, or  cock-crow,  the  beginning  of  the  morning  watch. 
Excitator  mentium:  Christ  by  His  grace  is  the  awakener  of 
souls. 

2.  "Take  up  your  beds,  He  cries,  ye  who  are  slothful  from 
idle  sleep,  and  watch  ye,  chaste,  upright,  and  sober,  for  I 
am  at  hand."  ^gro  sopor e:  Ye  who  have  become  slothful 
from  idle,  excessive,  sickness-producing  sleep.  Sobrii: 
Sobrii  estote  et  vigilate  (I  Peter  5,  8).  Vigilate  ergo,  quia 
nescitis  qua  horaDominus  vester  ven turns  sit  (Matt.  24,42). 

3.  "Weeping,  praying,  and  sober,  let  us,  with  our  voices, 
invoke  Jesus:  fervent  prayer  forbids  the  pure  heart  to 
sleep." 

4.  "Do  Thou,  0  Christ,  dispel  sleep,  break  the  bonds  of 
night,  free  us  from  the  sins  of  former  days,  and  infuse  new 
light  in  us. ' ' 


WEDNESDAY  AT  MATINS 
15  Rerum  Creator  optime 

RERUM  Creator  optime,  TSZ^^    madest    all    and    dost 

Rectorque  noster,  adspice:         ^      control, 
Nos  a  quiete  noxia  Lord,  with  Thy  touch  divine, 

Mersos  sopore  libera.  Cast  out  the  slumbers  of  the  soul, 

The  rest  that  is  not  Thine. 

^Te,  sancte  Christe,  poscimus,  Look  down,  Eternal  Holiness, 

Ignosce  culpis  omnibus:  And  wash  the  sins  away, 

Ad  confitendum  surgimus,  Of  those,  who,  rising  to  confess, 

Morasque  noctis  rumpimus.  Outstrip  the  lingering  day. 

^Mentes  manusque  tollimus.  Our  hearts  and  hands  by  night,  0 
Propheta  sicut  noctibus  Lord, 

Nobis  gerendum  praecipit,  We  lift  them  in  our  need; 

Paulusque  gestis  censuit.  As  holy  Psalmists  give  the  word, 


And  holy  Paul  the  deed. 


61 


THE  PSALTER 

*  Vides  malum  quod  fecimus:  Each  sin  to  Thee  of  years  gone  by, 

Occuha  nostra  pandimus:  Each  hidden  stain  lies  bare; 

Preces  gementes  fundimus,  We  shrink  not  from  Thine  awful 

Dimitte  quod  peccavimus.  eye, 

But  pray  that  Thou  wouldst  spare. 

^Praesta,  Pater  piissime,  Grant  this,  0  Father,  Only  Son 

Patrique  compar  Unice,  And  Spirit,  God  of  grace, 

Cum  Spiritu  Paraclito  To   whom    all    worship    shall   be 

Regnans  per  omne  sseculum.  done 

In  every  time  and  place. 

Author:  Ascribed  to  Pope  St.  Gregory  the  Great  (540- 
604).  Meter:  Iambic  dimeter.  Translation  by  Cardinal 
Newman.  There  are  thirteen  translations.  There  is  an 
article  on  this  hymn  in  the  Cath.  Encycl. 

1.  ''Look  down,  0  sovereign  Creator  of  the  world,  and 
our  Ruler,  and  deliver  us,  overwhelmed  by  sleep,  from  a 
sinful  rest. ' '  The  time  of  rest,  by  affording  occasions  of  sin 
and  temptation,  may  become  harmful  or  sinful. 

2.  ''Thee,  all-holy  Christ,  we  implore  that  Thou  forgive 
all  our  sins :  to  praise  Thee,  we  rise  and  interrupt  the  linger- 
ing hours  of  the  night."  Moras,  variously  rendered — hours, 
rest,  etc. ;  lit.,  a  delay,  a  space  of  time. 

3.  "By  night  we  lift  up  our  hands  and  hearts,  as  the 
Prophet  commands  us  to  do,  and  as  Paul,  by  his  deeds,  sanc- 
tioned." St.  Paul  put  into  practice  the  precept  of  the 
Prophet.  The  Prophet  is  David,  the  Royal  Psalmist,  who 
says:  In  noctibus  extollite  manus  vestras  in  sancta,  et 
benedicite  Dominum  (Ps.  133,  2).  Paulus:  A  reference  to 
St.  Paul  in  the  Acts  of  the  Apostles:  Media  autem  nocte, 
Paulus  et  Silas  orantes  laudabant  Deum  (Acts  16,  25). 

The  following  is  Father  Caswell's  translation  of  this 
stanza : 

Who,  as  the  holy  Psalmist  bids. 
Our  hands  thus  early  raise; 
And  in  the  morning  sing  with  Paul 
And  Silas  hymns  of  praise. 

4.  ' '  Thou  seest  the  evil  that  we  have  done ;  we  lay  bare 
our  secret  faults ;  sighing  we  pour  forth  our  prayers ;  par- 
don what  we  have  done  amiss." 

62 


16 


WEDNESDAY  AT  LAUDS 
jNox,  et  tenehrcB,  et  nubila 


NOX,  et  tenebrae,  et  nubila, 
Confusa  mundi  et  turbida; 
Lux  intrat,  albescit  polus: 
Christus  venit:  discedite. 


*Caligo  terrae  scinditur 
Percussa  solis  spicule, 
Rebusque  jam  color  redit, 
Vultu  nitentis  sideris. 


^Te  Christe  solum  novimus: 
Te  mente  pura  et  simplici, 
Flendo  et  canendo  quaesumus, 
Intende  nostris  sensibus. 

*Simt  multa  fucis  illita, 
Quae  luce  purgentur  tua: 
Tu  vera  lux  ccelestium 
Vultu  sereno  illumina. 

^Deo  Patri  sit  gloria, 
Ej  usque  soli  Filio, 
Cirni  Spiritu  Paraclito, 
Nunc  et  per  omne  saeculimi. 


DAY     is    breaking,     dawn     is 
bright: 
Hence,  vain  shadows  of  the  night! 
Mists  that  dim  our  mortal  sight, 
Christ  is  come!      Depart! 

Darkness  routed  lifts  her  wings 
As  the  radiance  upwards  springs: 
Through   the    world    of   wakened 

things 

Life  and  color  dart. 

Thee,  Q  Christ,  alone  we  know: 
Singing  even  in  our  woe. 
With  pure  hearts  to  Thee  we  go: 
On  our  senses  shine! 

In  Thy  beams  be  purged  away 
All  that  leads  our  thoughts  astray ! 
Through  our  spirits,  King  of  day, 
Pour  Thy  light  divine! 

Unto  God  the  Father,  Son, 
Holy  Spirit,  Three  in  One, 
One  in  Three,  be  glory  done, 
Now  and  evermore. 


Author:  Prudentius  (348-413).  Meter:  Iambic  dimeter. 
Translation  by  W.  J.  Courthope.  There  are  seventeen 
translations.  This  hymn  is  a  cento  from  the  Morning  Hymn 
of  the  Cathemerinon.  See  the  note  on  this  hymn  and  its 
translation,  under  Ales  diei  nuntius,  hymn  14. 

1.  **  Night,  darkness,  and  clouds,  confused  and  disordered 
state  of  the  world,  depart:  light  enters,  the  sky  grows 
bright,  Christ  comes." 

2.  ' '  The  darkness  of  the  earth  is  rent,  pierced  by  a  ray  of 
the  sun ;  color  now  returns  to  things,  at  the  appearance  of 
the  shining  star  of  day."  Nitentis  sideris,  the  sun,  the  day- 
star;  fig.,  Christ. 

63 


THE  PSALTER 

3.  "Thee  alone,  0  Christ  we  know;  with  pure  and  simple 
hearts,  with  tears  and  hymns  we  seek  Thee ;  incline  to  our 
souls."  Intende,  give  ear  to,  be  favorably  disposed  towards, 
hasten  to  the  help  of. 

4.  ' '  Many  things  which  are  now  bedaubed  with  false  col- 
ors shall  be  purified  by  Thy  light :  0  Thou  true  Light  of  the 
saints,  enlighten  us  by  Thy  bright  countenance."  Fucis, 
lit.,  rouge,  lllita,  from  illino,  bedaub,  smear.  For  the  line 
Tu  vera  lux  coelestium,  the  Original  Text  has,  Tu  lux  eoi 
sideris.  Eoi  from  eous,  adj.,  belonging  to  the  morning, 
eastern. 

Light  of  the  Morning  Star,  illume, 
Serenely  shining,  all  our  gloom. 


17 


THURSDAY  AT  MATINS 
Nox  atra  rerum  contegit 


NOX  atra  rerum  contegit 
Terrae  colores  omnium: 
Nos  confitentes  poscimus 
Te,  juste  judex  cordium: 


THE  dusky  veil  of  night  hath 
laid 
The  varied  hues  of  earth  in  shade; 
Before  Thee,  righteous  Judge  of 

all, 
We  contrite  in  confession  fall. 


^Ut  auferas  piacula, 
Sordesque  mentis  abluas: 
Donesque  Christe  gratiam, 
Ut  arceantur  crimina. 


Take  far  away  our  load  of  sin, 
Our    soiled    minds    make    clean 

within : 
Thy    sov'reign    grace,    0    Christ, 

impart. 
From   all    offence   to   guard   our 

heart. 


'Mens  ecce  torpet  impia, 
Quam  culpa  mordet  noxia: 
Obscura  gestit  tollere, 
Et  te  Redemptor  quaerere. 


*Repelle  tu  caliginem 
Intrinsecus  quam  maxime, 
Ut  in  beato  gaudeat 
Se  collocari  lumine. 


For  lo !  our  mind  is  dull  and  cold, 
Envenomed  by  sin's  baneful  hold: 
Fain  would  it  now  the  darkness 

flee. 
And  seek.  Redeemer,  unto  Thee. 

Far  from  it  drive  the  shades  of 

night, 
Its  inmost  darkness  put  to  flight; 
Till  in  the  daylight  of  the  Blest 
It  joys  to  find  itself  at  rest 


64 


THURSDAY  AT  LAUDS 


'Praesta,  Pater  piissime, 
Patrique  compar  Unice, 
Cum  Spiritu  Paraclito 
Regnans  per  omne  saeculum. 


Almighty  Father,  hear  our  cry, 
Through  Jesus  Christ,   our  Lord 

most  High, 
Who,   with  the   Holy  Ghost  and 

Thee, 
Doth  live  and  reign  eternally. 


Author:  Ascribed  to  Pope  St.  Gregory  the  Great  (540- 
604).  Meter:  Iambic  dimeter.  Translation  by  J.  W.  Chad- 
wick.  There  are  twelve  translations. 

1-2.  ''Dark  night  hath  concealed  the  colors  of  all  things 
on  earth;  praising  Thee  we  pray,  0  just  Judge  of  hearts, 
that  Thou  take  away  our  sins,  and  wash  away  the  stains  of 
the  soul;  and  grant  us,  0  Christ,  Thy  grace  that  sin  may 
be  kept  afar  off." 

3.  "Lo,  the  guilty  soul  which  mortal  sin  holds  fast  is 
torpid ;  still  it  longs,  0  Redeemer,  to  put  away  its  evil  deeds 
and  seek  Thee. ' ' 

4.  ''Drive  out,  as  much  as  possible,  the  darkness  that  is 
within,  that  the  soul  may  rejoice  to  be  established  in  blessed 
light."  Mens  from  the  preceding  stanza  is  the  subject  of 
gaudeat.  Se  collocare,  to  establish  one's  self,  to  dwell  per- 
manently, 


18 


THURSDAY  AT  LAUDS 
Lux  ecce  surgit  auria 


T  UX  ecce  surgit  aurea, 
-"  Pallens  facessat  caecitas. 
Quae  nosmet  in  praeceps  diu 
Errore  traxit  devio. 

^Haec  lux  serenum  eonferat, 
Purosque  nos  praestet  sibi: 
Nihil  loquamur  subdolum: 
Volvamus  obscurum  nihil. 


'  Sic  tota  decurrat  dies, 
Ne  lingua  mendax,  ne  manus 
Oculive  peccent  lubrici, 
Ne  noxa  corpus  inquinet. 


SEE  the  golden  sun  arise  I 
Let  no  more  our  darkened  eyes 
Snare  us,  tangled  by  surprise 
In  the  maze  of  sin ! 

From   false   words   and   thoughts 

impure 
Let  this  Light,  serene  and  sure, 
Keep  our  lips  without  secure, 
Keep  our  souls  within. 

So  may  we  the  day-time  spend, 
That,   till   life's  temptations  end, 
Tongue,  nor  hand,  nor  eye  offend! 
One,  above  us  all, 


THE  PSALTER 

•Speculator  adstat  desuper,  Views  in  His  revealing  ray 

Qui  nos  diebus  omnibus,  All  we  do,  and  think,  and  say, 

Actusque  nostros  prospicit  Watching  us  from  break  of  day 
A  luce  prima  in  vesperum.  Till  the  twilight  fall. 

'Deo  Patri  sit  gloria,  Unto  God  the  Father,  Son, 

Ej usque  soli  Filio,  Holy  Spirit,  Three  in  One, 

Cum  Spiritu  Paraclito,  One  in  Three,  be  glory  done, 
Nunc  et  per  omne  saeculum.  Now  and  evermore. 

Author:  Prudentius  (348-413).  Meter:  Iambic  dimeter. 
Translation  by  W.  J.  Courthope.  There  are  seventeen 
translations.  This  hymn  is  a  cento  from  the  Morning  Hymn 
of  the  Cathemerinon  of  Prudentius.  See  the  note  on  this 
hymn  and  its  translation,  under  Ales  diei  nuntius,  hymn  14. 

1.  ''Behold,  the  golden  light  arises;  may  the  waning 
darkness,  which  long  drew  us  headlong  in  wide-wandering 
error,  depart."  In  prceceps,  headlong;  into  great  danger. 
It  should  be  borne  in  mind  that  this  is  a  hymn  for  Lauds, 
and  that  Lauds  was  said  at  daybreak.  As  the  rising  sun 
dispels  the  blinding  darkness,  so  Christ,  the  Sun  of  Justice 
(Mai.  4,  2),  dispels  the  darkness  of  sin  and  of  unbelief. 

2.  * '  May  this  light  bring  us  contentment,  and  may  it  pre- 
serve us  pure  for  itself;  may  we  speak  nothing  deceitful; 
may  we  meditate  nothing  dark."  Sibi  refers  to  lux  (i.e., 
Christus). 

3.  '*So  may  the  whole  day  run  its  course;  that  neither 
the  tongue  prone  to  lie,  nor  the  hands,  nor  the  restless  eyes 
sin ;  may  no  sin  defile  the  body. ' ' 

4.  *'An  Observer  stands  on  high,  who  each  day  beholds 
us  and  our  actions,  from  early  morning  until  evening, '  * 

FRIDAY  AT  MATINS 
19  Tu,  Trinitatis  Unitas 

rpU,  Trinitatis  Unitas,  r\  THREE  in  One,  and  One  in 

•••    Orbem  potenter  quae  regis,        ^^      Three, 
Attende  laudis  canticum  Who  rulest  all  things  mightily: 

Quod  excubantes  psallimus.  Bow  down  to  hear  the  songs  of 

praise 
Which,  freed  from  bonds  of  sleep, 

we  raise. 

66 


FRIDAY  AT  MATINS 


'Nam  lectulo  consurgimus 
Noctis  quieto  tempore, 
Ut  flagitemus  omnium 
A  te  medelam  vulnerum. 


^  Quo  f raude  quidquid  daemonum 
In  noctibus  deliquimus, 
Abstergat  illud  coelitus 
Tuae  potestas  gloriae. 


*Ne  corpus  adstet  sordidum, 
Nee  torpor  instet  cordium, 
Ne  criminis  contagio 
Tepescat  ardor  spiritus. 


''Ob  hoc,  Redemptor,  quaesumus, 
Reple  tuo  nos  lumine. 
Per  quod  dieriun  circulis 
Nullis  ruaraus  actibus. 


'Praesta,  Pater  piissime, 
Patrique  compar  Unice, 
Cum  Spiritu  Paraclito, 
Regnans  per  omne  saeculum. 


While   lingers   yet  the   peace   of 

night, 
We  rouse  us  from  our  slumbers 

light: 
That  might  of  instant  prayer  may 

win 
The  healing  balm  for  wounds  of 

sin. 

If,  by  the  wiles  of  Satan  caught, 
This  night-time  we  have  sinned  in 

aught, 
That    sin     Thy     glorious     power 

to-day, 
From  heaven  descending,  cleanse 

away. 

Let    naught    impure    our    bodies 

stain, 
No  laggard  sloth  our  souls  detain, 
No  taint  of  sin  our  spirits  know, 
To  chill  the  fervor  of  their  glow. 

Wherefore,  Redeemer,   grant  that 

we 
Fulfilled   with    Thine    own    light 

may  be: 
That,  in  our  course,  from  day  to 

day. 
By  no  misdeed  we  fall  away. 

Grant  this,  0  Father  ever  One 
With    Christ,    Thy    sole-begotten 

Son, 
And  Holy  Ghost,  whom  all  adore. 
Reigning  and  blest  forevermore. 


Author:  Ascribed  to  Pope  St.  Gregory  the  Great  (540- 
604).  Metee  :  Iambic  dimeter.  Translation  by  G.  H. 
Palmer  and  J.  W.  Chadwick.  There  are  thirteen  trans- 
lations. 

1.  '  *  Thou  Unity  in  Trinity,  Thou  who  dost  mightily  rule 
the  world,  hearken  to  the  canticle  of  praise,  which  we,  risen 
from  sleep,  sing. ' ' 

2.  '*For  we  rise  from  our  beds  in  the  quiet  time  of  the 

67 


THE  PSALTER 

night,  that  we  may  ask  of  Thee  a  remedy  for  all  our 
wounds. ' ' 

3.  ''That  whatever,  by  the  deception  of  the  evil  spirits, 
we  have  failed  in  during  the  night,  the  same  may  the  power 
of  Thy  glory  from  heaven  blot  out."  Quo,  conj.,  that. 
Coelitus,  adv.,  from  heaven. 

4.  *'Lest  the  body  become  defiled  and  torpor  of  heart 
threaten,  and  the  fervor  of  the  soul  be  chilled  by  the  touch 
of  sin. ' ' 

5.  **We  therefore  beseech  Thee,  0  Redeemer,  fill  us  with 
Thy  light,  that  in  the  lapse  of  days,  we  may  fail  in  none  of 
our  actions," 


20 


FRIDAY  AT  LAUDS 

Sterna  cceli  gloria 


A  ETERNA  cceli  gloria, 
■^^  Beata  spes  mortalium, 
Summi  Tonantis  Unice, 
Castaeque  proles  Virginis: 


'Da  dexteram  surgentibus, 
Exsurgat  et  mens  sobria, 
Flagrans  et  in  laudem  Dei 
Grates  rependat  debitas. 


'  Ortus  ref ulget  lucifer, 
Prseitque  solem  nuntius: 
Cadunt  tenebrae  noctium: 
Lux  sancta  nos  illmninet. 


*Manensque  nostris  sensibus, 
Noctem  repellat  saeculi, 
Omnique  fine  temporis 
Purgata  servet  pectora. 


0  CHRIST,  whose  glory  fills  the 
heaven, 
Our  only  hope,  in  mercy  given; 
Child  of  a  Virgin  meek  and  pure; 
Son  of  the  Highest  evermore: 

Grant  us  Thine  aid  Thy  praise  to 

sing, 
As  opening  days  new  duties  bring; 
That  with  the  light  our  life  may 

be 
Renewed  and  sanctified  by  Thee. 

The  morning  star  fades  from  the 

sky. 
The    sun    breaks    forth;    night's 

shadows  fly : 
0  Thou,  true  Light,  upon  us  shine : 
Our  darkness  turn  to  light  divine. 

Within    us    grant    Thy    light    to 

dwell; 
And    from    our    souls    dark    sins 

expel ; 
Cleanse    Thou    our    minds    from 

stain  of  ill. 
And  with  Thy  peace  our  bosoms 

fill. 


68 


FRIDAY  AT  LAUDS 

^  Quaesita  jam  primum  fides  To  us  strong  faith  forever  give, 

In  corde  radices  agat:  With  joyous  hope,  in  Thee  to  live; 

Secunda  spes  congaudeat.  That  life's  rough  way  may  ever  be 

Qua  major  exstat  caritas.  Made  strong  and  pure  by  charity. 

*Deo  Patri  sit  gloria,  All  laud  to  God  the  Father  be, 

Ej usque  soli  Filio,  All  praise,  Eternal  Son,  to  Thee: 

Cum  Spiritu  Paraclito,  All  glory,  as  is  ever  meet, 

Nunc,  et  per  omne  saeculum.  To  God  the  holy  Paraclete, 

Author  I  Ambrosian,  5th  cent.  Meter:  Iambic  dimeter. 
Translation  by  John  Julian.  There  are  twelve  translations. 

1.  *' Eternal  Glory  of  heaven,  blessed  hope  of  mortals, 
the  only-begotten  Son  of  the  most  high  Thunderer,  the 
offspring  of  a  chaste  Virgin,"  Tonantis  (tono  1)  ''The 
Sovereign  Thunderer's  only  Son." — Abp.  Bagshawe.  Tona- 
bit  de  coelo  Dominus  (II  Kings  22,  14).  Cf.  also  I  Kings  2, 
10;Ps.  17,14;Ps.  28,  3. 

2.  ''Give  Thy  right  hand  to  those  who  rise;  sober  also 
may  the  soul  arise,  and  zealous  in  the  praise  of  God,  return 
Him  due  thanks. ' '  Sobria,  thoughtful,  recollected.  Grates  = 
gratias. 

3.  ' '  The  risen  morning  star  shines  forth,  and  as  a  herald 
precedes  the  sun;  the  darkness  of  night  disappears;  may 
the  holy  light  illuminate  us."  Lovers  of  allegory  see  in 
John  the  Baptist  "the  morning  star,"  "the  herald"  that 
went  before  the  rising  Sun  of  Justice. 

4.  "And  dwelling  in  our  hearts,  may  it  dispel  the  dark- 
ness of  the  world,  and  may  it  preserve  our  hearts  unsullied 
till  the  end  of  time."  Lux  sancta  is  the  subject  of  the  whole 
stanza.    Noctem  scbcuU,  spiritual  darkness,  sin. 

5.  "First  may  faith  long-sought  strike  deep  its  roots  in 
our  hearts ;  secondly,  may  hope  rejoice  us ;  but  greater  still 
than  these  is  charity."  Qua  refers  grammatically  to  spes, 
but  in  sense  also  to  fides,  and  is  therefore  equivalent  to 
quibus.  Nunc  autem  manent  fides,  spes,  caritas,  tria  hjec; 
major  autem  horum  est  caritas  (I  Cor.  13,  13).  In  heaven 
faith  will  be  changed  into  vision,  hope  into  fruition,  but 
charity  will  remain  forever, 


69 


21 


THE  PSALTER 
SATURDAY  AT  MATINS 

SummcB  Parens  clementice 


SUMMAE  Parens  clementiae, 
Mundi  regis  qui  machinam, 
Unius  et  substantiae, 
Trinusque  personis  Deus: 


^Nostros  pius  cum  canticis 
Flatus  benigne  suscipe: 
Ut  corde  puro  sordium 
Te  perfruamur  largius. 

'Lumbos,  jecurque  raorbidum 
Flaramis  adure  congruis, 
Accincti  ut  artus  excubent 
Luxu  remoto  pessimo. 


*Quicumque  ut  horas  noctium 
Nunc  concinendo  rumpimus, 
Ditemur  omnes  affatim 
Donis  beatae  patriae. 


'Preesta,  Pater  piissime, 
Patrique  compar  Unice, 
Cum  Spiritu  Paraclito 
Regnans  per  omne  saeculum. 


GREAT  God  of  boundless  mercy 
hear; 
Thou  Ruler  of  this  earthly  sphere ; 
In     substance     one,     in     persons 

three, 
Dread  Trinity  in  Unity! 

Do  Thou  in  love  accept  our  lays 
Of  mingled  penitence  and  praise; 
And  set  our  hearts  from  error  free, 
More  fully  to  rejoice  in  Thee. 

Our  reins  and  hearts  in  pity  heal, 
And    with    Thy    chastening    fires 

anneal; 
Gird  Thou  our  loins,  each  passion 

quell, 
And  every  harmful  lust  expel. 

Now    as    our    anthems,    upward 

borne, 
Awake  the  silence  of  the  morn, 
Enrich  us  with  Thy  gifts  of  grace. 
From  heaven.  Thy  blissful  dwell- 
ing-place ! 

Hear  Thou  our  prayer.  Almighty 

King! 
Hear  Thou  our  praises,  while  we 

sing. 
Adoring  with  the  heavenly  host, 
The  Father,  Son,  and  Holy  Ghost! 


Author:  Ambrosian,  7tli  cent.  Meter:  Iambic  dimeter. 
Translation,  a  cento  based  on  Chambers.  There  are  six- 
teen translations.  First  line  of  Original  Text :  SummcB  Deus 
clementicB. 

1-2.  **0  Father  of  infinite  mercy,  Thou  who  rulest  over 
the  vast  fabric  of  the  universe,  God  of  one  substance,  and 
three  in  person,  graciously  accept,  0  loving  Father  (pius), 
our  tears  with  our  hymns  of  praise,  that  with  hearts  free 

70 


SATURDAY  AT  LAUDS 

from  sin  we  may  enjoy  Thee  more  abundantly."  Pitts  is 
here  used  for  the  vocative,  supply  Parens  or  Deus.  Or  it 
agrees  with  tu  the  subject  of  suscipe — 0  Parens,  tu  pius  (  = 
benigne)  suscipe.  Puro,  note  the  genitive  sordium;  the 
ablative  is  more  common.  Largius,  adv.,  comp.  of  largus. 

3.  **Burn  Thou,  with  becoming  (holy)  flames,  our  reins 
and  our  depraved  hearts,  that  our  well  girded  limbs  may 
watch,  far  removed  from  baneful  luxury."  Lumbos:  the 
loins,  in  which  the  ancients  located  the  seat  of  the  feelings 
or  affections.  Jecur:  lit.,  the  liver;  considered  formerly  as 
the  seat  of  the  soul  and  affections.  Accincti  =  prsBcincti: 
Sint  lumbi  vestri  prsBcincti,  et  lucernae  ardentes  in  manibus 
vestris  (Luke  12,  35).  The  girding  of  the  loins  signifies  an 
instant  willingness  to  do  the  will  of  God.  In  the  East  where 
men  wore  long  flowing  garments  it  was  necessary  to  gird 
them  up  by  means  of  a  belt  when  about  to  begin  some  work 
or  set  out  on  a  journey. 

4.  ''That  all  of  us  who  now  interrupt  the  hours  of  night 
with  song,  may  be  abundantly  enriched  with  the  gifts  of 
the  blessed  land." 

SATURDAY  AT  LAUDS 

22  Aurora  jam  spar  git  polum 

AURORA  jam  spargit  polum:     HPHE  dawn  is  sprinkling  in  the 
Terris  dies  illabitur:  -^        east 

Lucis  resultat  spiculum :  Its  golden  shower,  as  day  flows  in ; 

Discedat  omne  lubricum.  Fast  mount  the  pointed  shafts  of 

light: 
Farewell  to  darkness  and  to  sin  I 

'Phantasma  noctis  exsulet:  Away,  ye  midnight  phantoms  all! 

Mentis  reatus  corruat:  Away,  despondence  and  despair! 

Quidquid  tenebris  horridum  Whatever     guilt    the     night    has 

Nox  attulit  culpae,  cadat.  brought. 

Now  let  it  vanish  into  air. 

*Ut  mane,  quod  nos  ultimum  So,  Lord,  when  that  last  morning 

Hie  deprecamur  cernui,  breaks, 

Looking  to   which   we   sigh   and 
pray, 

71 


THE  PSALTER 

Cum  luce  nobis  effluat,  0  may  it  to  Thy  minstrels  prove 

Hoc  dum  canore  concrepat.  The  dawning  of  a  better  day. 

*Deo  Patri  sit  gloria,  To  God  the  Father  glory  be, 

Ej usque  soli  Filio,  And  to  His  sole-begotten  Son; 

Ciun  Spiritu  Paraclito,  Glory,  0  Holy  Ghost,  to  Thee, 

Nunc  et  per  omne  saeculum.  While  everlasting  ages  run, 

Author:  Ambrosian,  4th  or  5th  cent.  Meter:  Iambic 
dimeter.  Translation  by  Father  Caswall.  There  are  twelve 
translations. 

1.  *'The  dawn  now  overspreads  the  heavens;  day  glides 
over  the  earth ;  rays  of  light  mount  on  high ;  may  every  un- 
clean thing  depart." 

2.  ''Let  phantoms  of  the  night  be  banished;  let  guilt  of 
soul  depart;  whatever  dreadful  thing  of  evil  the  night 
brought  with  it,  let  it  vanish  with  the  darkness. ' '  Constr. : 
Quidquid  horridum  culpas  nox  attulit,  tenebris  cadat. 

3.  ''That  on  the  last  morning,  together  with  the  light, 
that  which  w^e  here  humbly  pray  for,  and  what  accords  with 
our  song,  may  issue  forth  (come)  to  us."  Constr. :  Ut  cum 
luce  (seterna)  mane  (illud)  ultimum  nobis  effluat,  quod  nos 
hie,  dum  hoc  canore  concrepat,  deprecamur  cernui.  This 
stanza  is  very  obscure.  It  seems  to  contain  a  reference  to 
the  present  morning,  and  to  the  last  morning — at  the  end 
of  time.  In  this  sense  it  might  be  rendered:  "While  the 
present  morning  resounds  with  song  (canore) ^  we  here  with 
profound  humility  beg  {deprecamur  cernui)  that  the  last 
morning  may  also  dawn  {effluat)  for  us  with  light  eternal." 
Abp.  Bagshawe  translates  mane  ultimum  as  referring  to 
Saturday — "On  this  morn  of  the  week  the  last."  The  fol- 
lowing is  from  an  anonymous  translation  in  the  Hymnal 
Noted: 

So  that  last  morning,  dread  and  great, 
Which  we  with  trembling  hope  await. 
With  blessed  light  for  us  shall  glow. 
Who  chant  the  song  we  sang  below. 


72 


VESPERS  HYMNS  OF  THE  PSALTER 

The  theme,  or  subject  matter,  of  the  Vespers  hymns  for 
the  week  is  the  work  of  the  six  days  of  creation  as 
recorded  in  the  first  chapter  of  Genesis.  The  Saturday 
hymn,  which  is  a  hymn  in  honor  of  the  Most  Holy  Trinity, 
forms  the  only  exception.  The  work  of  each  of  the  six 
days  is  explained  in  the  article  on  Hexcemeron,  in  the  Cath. 
Encycl. 

The  authorship  of  these  six  hymns  is  not  definitely 
known.  The  series  develops  in  an  orderly  manner  the  work 
of  creation,  devoting  four  stanzas  to  the  work  of  each  day. 
There  is  strong  probability  that  these  hymns  are  the  work 
of  one  and  the  same  author,  and  that  that  author  is  no 
other  than  the  illustrious  Pope  and  Doctor  of  the  Church, 
St.  Gregory  the  Great  (540-604).  In  this  connection  it  is  in- 
teresting to  record  the  opinion  of  the  editors  of  the  care- 
fully edited  Historical  Edition  of  Hymns  Ancient  and  Mod- 
ern (1909) :  ''The  set,"  in  their  opinion,  "must  have  come 
from  one  author,  and  it  is  not  improbable  that  that  author 
was  St.  Gregory"  (p.  21).  And  again:  '"^The  series  as  a 
whole  is  probably  rightly  identified  with  a  set  of  hymns  for 
every  evening  in  the  week,  which  Irish  records  describe  as 
having  been  sent  by  St.  Gregory  to  St.  Columba.  The  ancient 
preface  to  Columba 's  hymn  Altus  prosator  describes  the 
coming  of  St.  Gregory's  messengers  with  gifts,  including  a 
set  of  hymns  for  the  evenings  of  the  week,  and  the  sending 
by  St.  Columba  of  his  hymns  to  St.  Gregory  in  return.  The 
series  is  not  unworthy  of  such  an  author,  and  the  hymns 
go  far  to  justify  the  tradition  that  ascribes  to  that  most 
versatile  of  popes  a  place  among  the  Hymn-writers"  (p. 
XVII).  See  also  the  article  on  Hymnody,  by  Father 
Clemens  Blume,  S.  J.,  in  the  Cath.  Encycl.,  Vol.  VII.,  p.  602. 

The  Benedictine  editors  of  the  works  of  St.  Gregory 
credit  him  with  eight  hymns  [Opera,  Paris,  1705) ;  H.  A. 
Daniel  in  his  Thesaurus  Hymnl.  Vol.  I,  assigns  him  three 
others.  The  Lucis  Creator  optime  given  below  is  one  of  the 
eight  hymns  assigned  him  by  the  Benedictine  editors. 

The  translations  of  these  hymns  in  Part  I  of  Mr.  Orby 
Shipley's  Annus  Sanctus  are  fro^l  the  Primer  of  1706,  and 

73 


THE  PSALTER 

are  in  all  probability  the  work  of  the  poet  John  Dryden, 
who  was  received  into  the  Church  in  1685. 


23 


SUNDAY  AT  VESPERS 
Lucis  Creator  optime 


LUCIS  Creator  optime 
Lucem  dierum  proferens, 
Primordiis  lucis  novae, 
Mundi  parans  originem: 


'Qui  mane  junctum  vesperi 
Diem  vocari  prsecipis: 
Illabitur  tetrimi  chaos, 
Audi  pieces  cum  fletibus. 


0  BLEST  Creator  of  the  light, 
Who    mak'st    the    day    with 
radiance  bright. 
And  o'er  the  forming  world  didst 

call 
The  light  from  chaos  first  of  all; 

Whose    wisdom    joined    in    meet 

array 
The  morn   and   eve,   and   named 

them  Day: 
Night  comes  with  all  its  darkling 

fears ; 
Regard  Thy  people's  prayers  and 

tears. 

Lest,  sunk  in  sin,  and  whelmed 
with  strife. 

They  lose  the  gift  of  endless  life; 

While  thinking  but  the  thoughts 
of  time. 

They  weave  new  chains  of  woe  and 
crime. 

But  grant  them  grace  that  they 
may  strain 

The  heavenly  gate  and  prize  to 
gain: 

Each  harmful  lure  aside  to  cast, 

And  purge  away  each  error  past. 

O  Father,  that  we  ask  be  done, 
Through  Jesus  Christ,  Thine  only 

Son; 
Who,   with  the  Holy  Ghost  and 

Thee, 
Doth  live  and  reign  eternally. 

Author:  Probably  by  Pope  St.  Gregory  the  Great  (540- 


'Ne  mens  gravata  crimine, 
Vitae  sit  exsul  munere, 
Dum  nil  perenne  cogitat, 
Seseque  culpis  illigat. 


*Coeleste  pulset  ostium: 
Vitale  tollat  praemiima: 
Vitemus  omne  noxium: 
Purgemus  omne  pessimum. 


^Praesta,  Pater  piissime, 
Patrique  compar  Unice, 
Cum  Spiritu  Paraclito 
Regnans  per  omne  ssculum. 


MONDAY  AT  VESPERS 

604).  Meter:  Iambic  dimeter.  Translation  by  J.  M.  Neale. 
There  are  twenty-one  translations;  Father  Caswall's  being 
more  widely  used  than  any  other.  There  are  five  transla- 
tions in  the  Annus  Sanctus.  Theme :  The  work  of  the  first 
day — the  creation  of  light.  Dixit  Dens:  Fiat  lux.  Et  facta 
est  lux.  Et  vidit  Deus  lucem  quod  esset  bona;  et  divisit 
lucem  a  tenebris.  Appelavitque  lucem  Diem,  et  tenebras 
Noctem;  factumque  est  vespere  et  mane  dies  unus  (Gen. 
1,  3-5). 

1.  *  *  0  august  Creator  of  the  light,  who  didst  bring  forth 
the  light  of  day,  and  didst  begin  the  origin  of  the  world  with 
the  creation  of  new  light;"  Primordiis,  origin,  first  begin- 
ning. Parans  (paro  1),  prepare,  design.  Originem,  creation. 

2.  "Who  didst  command  that  morning  joined  with  even- 
ing be  called  Day;  foul  darkness  descends,  hear  Thou  our 
prayers  with  our  weeping. ' ' 

3.  ''Lest  the  soul  burdened  with  sin  be  deprived  of  the 
gift  of  life,  while  it  thinks  of  nothing  eternal  and  fetters 
itself  with  sins. ' '  Exsul,  an  exile,  banished  person ;  Constr. 
with  the  abl.  or  gen. 

4.  ''Let  it  knock  at  the  heavenly  portal  and  bear  away 
the  prize  of  life ;  let  us  avoid  everything  harmful,  and  purge 
out  everything  sinful."  The  subject  is  mens  from  the  pre- 
ceding stanza. 


MONDAY  AT  VESPERS 

24  Immense  cceli  Conditor 

IMMENSE  cceli  Conditor,  r\  GREAT  Creator  of  the  sky, 

Qui  mixta  ne  confunderent,         ^-^  Who  wouldest  not  the  floods 
Aquae  fluenta  dividens,  on  high 

Coelum  dedisti  limitem.  With  earthly  waters  to  confound, 

But    mad'st   the    firmament    their 
boiind; 

^Firmans  locum  coelestibus,  The    floods     above     Thou    didat 

Simulque  terrse  rivulis;  ordain; 

The  floods  below  Thou  didst  re- 
strain: 

76 


THE  PSALTER 


Ut  unda  flammas  temperet, 
Terrae  solum  ne  dissipent. 


'Infunde  nunc,  piissime, 
Donum  perennis  gratiae: 
Fraudis  novae  ne  casibus 
No3  error  atterat  vetus. 

*Lucem  fides  adaugeat: 
Sic  luminis  jubar  ferat: 
Haec  van  a  cuncta  proterat: 
Hanc  falsa  nulla  comprimant. 

"Praesta,  Pater  piissime, 
Patrique  compar  Unice, 
Cum  Spiritu  Paraclito 
Regnans  per  omne  saeculum. 


That    moisture    might    attemper 

heat, 
Lest  the  parched  earth  should  ruin 

meet. 

Upon  our  souls,  good  Lord,  bestow 
Thy  gift  of  grace  in  endless  flow: 
Lest  some  renewed  deceit  or  wile 
Of  former  sin  should  us  beguile. 

Let  faith  discover  heav'nly  light; 
So  shall  its  rays  direct  us  right: 
And  let  this  faith  each  error  chase, 
And  never  give  to  falsehood  place. 

Grant  this,  0  Father,  ever  One 
With    Christ,    Thy    sole-begotten 

Son, 
And  Holy  Ghost,  whom  all  adore, 
Reigning  and  blest  forevermore. 


Author:  Probably  by  Pope  St.  Gregory  the  Great  (540- 
604).  Meter:  Iambic  dimeter.  Translation  by  J.  M.  Neale. 
There  are  seventeen  translations.  Theme :  The  work  of  the 
second  day — the  creation  of  the  firmament,  which  includes 
the  whole  space  between  the  surface  of  the  earth  and  the 
most  distant  stars.  This  work  is  thus  narrated  by  Moses : 
Dixit  quoque  Deus :  Fiat  firmamentum  in  medio  aquarum,  et 
dividat  aquas  ab  aquis.  Et  fecit  Deus  firmamentum, 
divisitque  aquas  quae  erant  sub  firmamento  ab  his,  qu8B 
erant  super  firmamentum.  Et  factum  est  ita.  Vocavitque 
Deus  firmamentum  Ccelum:  et  factum  est  vespere  et  mane 
dies  secundus  (Gen.  1,  6-8). 

1.  "  0  great  Creator  of  the  heavens.  Thou  didst  establish 
the  sky  as  a  boundary,  dividing  the  floods  of  water,  lest 
uniting  they  flow  together."  Fluentum,  i,  a  stream,  flood. 
See  the  article  on  Firmament  in  the  Cath.  Encycl, 

2.  '  *  Thou  dost  establish  a  place  for  the  heavenly  waters, 
and  also  for  the  streams  on  earth,  that  water  might  moder- 
ate the  heat,  lest  it  destroy  the  soil  of  the  earth." 

3.  *  *  Pour  forth  now,  most  gracious  Lord,  the  gift  of  Thy 
never-failing  grace,  lest  by  the  misfortune  of  some  new  de- 
ception the  old  error  should  overwhelm  us."   Vetus  error, 

76 


TUESDAY  AT  VESPERS 

personified — our  ancient  enemy,  the  devil;  or,  former  sins. 
4.  *'Let  faith  increase  the  light,  and  thus  produce  an 
effulgence  of  light;  may  it  trample  under  foot  all  vain 
things ;  may  nothing  false  supplant  it."  Adaugeat,  the  Orig- 
inal Text  has  inveniat;  Neale  translated  the  Original  Text. 
HcBc,  sc,  fides. 

TUESDAY  AT  VESPERS 


25 


Telluris  alme  Conditor 


TELLURIS  alme  Conditor, 
Mundi  solum  qui  separans, 
Pulsis  aquae  molestiis, 
Terram  dedisti  immobilem: 


*Ut  germen  aptum  proferens, 
Fulvis  decora  floribus, 
Foecunda  fructu  sisteret, 
Pastmnque  gratum  redderet. 


'Mentis  perustae  vulnera 
Munda  virore  gratise: 
Ut  facta  fletu  diluat, 
Motusque  pravos  atterat. 


■pARTH'S  mighty  Maker,  whose 
■*-^        command 

Raised  from  the  sea  the  solid  land ; 
And    drove    each    billowy    heap 

away, 
And  bade  the  earth  stand  firm  for 

aye: 

That  so,  with  flowers  of  golden 

hue, 
The  seeds  of  each  it  might  renew; 
And  fruit-trees  bearing  fruit  might 

yield, 
And  pleasant  pasture  of  the  field: 

Our  spirit's  rankling  wounds  efface 
With  dewy  freshness  of  Thy  grace: 
That  grief  may  cleanse  each  deed 

of  ill, 
And  o'er  each  lust  may  triumph 

still. 


*Ju8sis  tuis  obtemperet: 
Nullis  malis  approximet: 
Bonis  repleri  gaudeat, 
Et  mortis  ictum  nesciat. 


"Praesta,  Pater  piissime, 
Patrique  compar  Unice, 
Cum  Spiritu  Paraclito 
Regnans  per  omne  saeculimi. 


Let  every  soul  Thy  law  obey, 
And  keep  from  every  evil  way; 
Rejoice    each    promised    good   to 

win. 
And  flee  from  every  mortal  sin. 

Hear  Thou  our  prayer,  Almighty 

King! 
Hear  Thou  our  praises,  while  we 

sing. 
Adoring  with  the  heavenly  host, 
The  Father,  Son,  and  Holy  Ghost! 


77 


THE  PSALTER 

Author:  Probably  by  Pope  St.  Gregory  the  Great  (540- 
604).  Meter:  Iambic  dimeter.  Translation  anon,  in  the 
Hymnal  Noted.  There  are  twenty  translations.  First  line 
of  Original  Text:  Telluris  ingens  Conditor.  Theme:  The 
work  of  the  third  day,  viz.,  the  separation  of  the  land 
from  the  water,  and  the  creation  of  every  species  of  plant. 
As  recorded  by  Moses:  Dixit  vero  Deus:  Congregentur 
aquae,  quae  sub  ccelo  sunt,  in  locum  unum  et  appareat  arida. 
Et  factum  est  ita.  Et  vocavit  Deus  aridam  Terram ;  congre- 
gationesque  aquarum  appellavit  Maria.  .  .  .  Et  ait:  Ger- 
minet  terra  herbam  virentem  et  facientem  semen  et  lignum 
pomiferum,  f aciens  f  ructum  juxta  genus  suum,  cujus  semen 
in  semetipso  sit  super  terram.  Et  factum  est  ita.  Et  protulit 
terra  herbam  virentem,  et  facientem  semen  juxta  genua 
suum,  lignumque  faciens  fructum,  et  habens  unumquodque 
sementem  secundum  speciem  suam.  Et  vidit  Deus  quod 
esset  bonum.  Et  factum  est  vespere  et  mane  dies  tertiua 
(Gen.  1,9-13). 

1.  "Benignant  Creator  of  the  world,  who  didst  divide  the 
surface  of  the  earth,  and  driving  off  the  troubled  waters 
didst  firmly  establish  the  land ; ' '  Solum,  lit.,  ground,  soil. 

2.  ''That  it  might  bring  forth  appropriate  produce,  be 
adorned  with  golden  flowers,  become  prolific  in  fruits,  and 
yield  agreeable  sustenance."  Decora  and  fecwida  agree 
with  terra,  understood.  Sisteret,  in  the  sense  of  existeret. 
Pastum,  food  for  men  and  beasts. 

3.  ' '  Cleanse  by  the  freshness  of  Thy  grace  the  wounds  of 
the  sin-parched  soul,  that  it  may  wash  away  with  tears  its 
evil  deeds,  and  suppress  sinful  emotions."  Munda,  imper. 
of  mundare.  Virore,  viror,  oris  (from  vireo  2,  to  be  fresh, 
vigorous),  freshness,  power,  vigor.  Mens  is  the  subj.  of 
diluat  and  atterat. 

4.  ' '  May  it  obey  Thy  commands ;  may  it  draw  nigh  noth- 
ing sinful;  that  it  may  rejoice  to  be  filled  with  good,  and 
know  not  the  stroke  of  death."  Mortis  ictus,  the  stroke  of 
death,  i.e.,  mortal  sin.  The  Original  Text,  translated  above, 
has  actum  for  ictum. 


78 


WEDNESDAY  AT  VESPERS 


26 


Cceli  Deus  sanctissime 


CCELI  Deus  sanctissime, 
Qui  lucidas  mundi  plagas 
Candore  pingis  igneo, 
Augens  decoro  lumine: 


"Quarto  die  qui  flammeara 
Dum  solis  accendis  rotam, 
Lunee  ministraa  ordinem, 
Vagosque  cursus  siderum: 


•Ut  noctibus,  vel  Iiunini 
Diremptionis  terminum, 
Primordiis  et  mensium 
Signum  dares  notissimum ; 


*ExpelIe  noctem  cordium: 
Absterge  sordes  mentium: 
Resolve  culpae  vinculum: 
Everte  moles  criminum. 

'Preesta,  Pater  piissime, 
Patrique  compar  Unice, 
Cum  Spiritu  Paraclito 
Regnans  per  omne  saeculum. 


OGOD,  whose  hand  hath  spread 
the  sky, 
And  all  its  shining  hosts  on  high, 
And  painting  it  with  fiery  light, 
Made    it    so    beauteous    and 
bright: 


so 


Thou,  when  the  fourth  day  was 

begun, 
Didst  frame  the  circle  of  the  sun, 
And    set   the   moon    for    ordered 

change. 
And     planets     for     their     wider 

range: 

To  night  and  d^,  by  certain  line, 
Their  varying  bounds  Thou  didst 

assign ; 
And  gav'st  a  signal,  known  and 

meet. 
For   months   begun    and   months 

complete. 

Enlighten  Thou  the  hearts  of  men : 
Polluted  souls  make  pure  again: 
Unloose  the  bands  of  guilt  within : 
Remove  the  burden  of  our  sin. 

Grant  this,  0  Father,  ever  One 
With    Christ    Thy    sole-begotten 

Son, 
Whom,  with  the  Spirit  we  adore, 
One  God,  both  now  and  evermore. 


Author:  Probably  by  Pope  St.  Gregory  the  Great  (540- 
604).  Meter:  Iambic  dimeter.  Translation  by  J.  M.  Neale. 
There  are  thirteen  translations.  Theme :  The  work  of  the 
fourth  day.  On  the  fourth  day,  God  created  the  heavenly 
bodies  that  adorn  the  firmament.  The  Mosaic  account  of  the 
stupendous  work  which  the  hymn  endeavors  to  recount  is 
narrated  with  wonderful  simplicity  in  Genesis  1,  14-19; 

79 


THE  PSALTER 

Dixit  autem  Deus:  Fiant  luniinaria  in  firmamento  coeli,  et 
dividant  diem  ac  noctem,  et  sint  in  signa  et  tempora,  et  dies 
et  annos:  ut  luceant  in  firmamento  cceli,  et  illuminent 
terram.  Et  factum  est  ita.  Feoitque  Deus  duo  luminaria 
magna:  luminare  majus,  ut  prseesset  diei:  et  luminare 
minus,  ut  praeesset  nocti :  et  stellas.  Et  posuit  eas  in  firma- 
mento coeli,  ut  lucerent  super  terram,  et  praeessent  diei  ac 
nocti,  et  dividerent  lucem  ac  tenebras.  Et  vidit  Deus  quod 
esset  bonum.  Et  factum  est  vespere  et  mane  dies  quartus. 

1.  ' '  Most  Holy  God  of  heaven,  Thou  dost  adorn  with  fiery 
brilliancy  the  lightsome  regions  of  the  universe,  and  dost 
embellish  them  with  becoming  splendor : ' '  The  light  created 
on  the  first  day  was  a  vast,  luminous,  nebulous  mass,  which 
contracted  and  solidified  on  the  fourth  day,  thus  forming 
the  sun  and  the  stars.  These  heavenly  bodies  constitute  the 
"lightsome  regions"  of  the  universe. 

2.  *■  *  Thou,  on  the  fourth  day  didst  light  up  the  fiery  disk 
of  the  sun,  didst  appoint  the  orbit  of  the  moon,  and  the  wan- 
dering courses  of  the  stars," 

3.  ''That  Thou  mightest  give  to  nights  and  days  a  bound- 
ary-line of  separation,  and  a  conspicuous  sign  for  the  begin- 
ning of  the  months. ' '  The  boundary  line  between  night  and 
day — darkness  and  daylight — is  indicated  by  the  sun,  the 
moon,  and  by  the  morning  and  evening  stars.  The  new 
moon  announces  the  beginning  of  the  lunar  month. 

4.  ' '  Drive  out  the  darkness  from  our  hearts ;  wipe  away 
the  defilements  of  our  souls;  loosen  the  chains  of  guilt j 
overturn  the  great  load  of  our  sins." 


THURSDAY  AT  VESPERS 

27  MagncB  Deus  potentice 

ll/rAGNi^  Deus  potentiae,  r\   SOVEREIGN   Lord   of  Na- 

■I-TJ.  Qui  fertili  nates  aqua  ^^      ture's  might, 

Partim  relinquis  gurgiti,  Who     bad'st    the     water's     birth 

Partiin  levas  in  aera.  divide; 

Part  in  the  heavens  to  take  their 
flight, 

And  part  in  ocean's  deep  to  hide; 

80 


mmmttiit 
mpimnvtt 

ncM^m  nuummnt 
mtm  mntnn^*^tm: 

fymtmtmmm*tm 
ttdrt  ttfc* 


ttmnbim 

mmninv^M  mm 

iimiiittntttmitmt 

nn^(imxmmm$m 

mmMxxmitmnv 

nmtmntxt\)ttxnihmtc^ 

mpitmxmmtG'f^t 
timimnntl«tflflmo*(i 
nmnwtmtx$*fm 


Codex  Latinus— Specimen  page  from  a   Psalter   executed 
in  the  Abbey  of  Meften,  Bavaria,  A.D.  i^i^. 


THURSDAY  AT  VESPERS 


'Demersa  lymphis  imprimens, 
Subvecta  ccelis  erigens: 
Ut  stirpe  ab  una  prodita, 
Diversa  repleant  loca: 


•Largire  cunctis  servulis, 
Quos  mundat  unda  sanguinis, 
Nescire  lapsus  criminura, 
Nee  ferre  mortis  taedium. 


*Ut  culpa  nullum  deprimat: 
Nullum  efferat  jactantia: 
Elisa  mens  ne  concidat: 
Elata  mens  ne  corruat. 


'Praesta,  Pater  piissime» 
Patrique  compar  Unice, 
Cum  Spiritu  Paraclito 
Regnans  per  omne  saeculum. 


These  low  obscured,  on  airy  wing 
Exalted  those,  that  either  race. 
Though    from    one    element   they 

spring, 
Might  serve  Thee  in  a  different 

place. 

Grant,  Lord,  that  we  Thy  servants 

all, 
Saved  by  Thy  tide   of  cleansing 

Blood, 
No    more    'neath    sin's    dominion 

fall. 
Nor  fear  the  thought  of  death's 

dark  flood! 

Thy  varied  love  each  spirit  bless, 

The  humble  cheer,  the  high  con- 
trol; 

Check  in  each  heart  its  proud 
excess. 

But  raise  the  meek  and  contrite 
soul! 

This  boon,  0  Father,  we  entreat. 
This  blessing  grant,  Eternal  Son, 
And  Holy  Ghost,  the  Paraclete, 
Both  now,  and  while  the  ages  run. 


Author  t  Probably  by  Pope  St.  Gregory  the  Great  (540- 
604).  Meter:  Iambic  dimeter.  Teanslation  by  W.  J.  Cour- 
thope.  There  are  fourteen  translations.  Theme:  The 
work  of  the  fifth  day — the  creation  of  the  birds  and  fishes, 
both  of  which  sprang  from  a  common  source,  viz.,  water. 
The  work  of  the  fifth  day  is  recorded  in  Genesis  1,  20-23 : 
Dixit  etiam  Deus :  Producant  aquae  reptile  animse  viventis, 
et  volatile  super  terram  sub  firmamento  coeli.  Creavitque 
Deus  cete  grandia,  et  omnem  animam  viventem  atque  mota- 
bilem,  quam  produxerant  aquas  in  species  suas,  et  omne 
volatile  secundum  genus  suum.  Et  vidit  Deus  quod  esset 
bonum.  Benedixitque  eis,  dicens:  Crescite  et  multipli- 
camini,  et  replete  aquas  maris;  avesque  multiplicentur 
super  terram.    Et  factum  est  vespere  et  mane  dies  quintus. 

1.  **0  God  of  great  power,  who  dost  assign  in  part  the 

81 


THE  PSALTER 

offsprings  of  the  fertile  water,  to  the  deep,  and  in  part  dost 
raise  them  aloft  in  the  air;"  Fertili:  The  water  is  called 
fruitful  since  it  is  the  common  source  from  which  the  natos 
— the  birds  and  fishes — sprang.  Natos  (ex).  Gurgiti,  lit., 
a  whirlpool ;  the  sea,  the  waters. 

2.  **Thou  dost  consign  the  fishes  to  the  waters,  and 
liftest  up  the  birds  on  high,  that  animals  proceeding  from 
the  same  source  might  occupy  different  places."  Supply 
cmimalia  after  demersa,  suhvecta,  and  prodita.  Demersa, 
all  living  creatures  that  make  their  home  in  the  waters. 
Suhvecta  (from  suhveho,  to  bring  up  from  below),  the 
birds — brought  up  from  the  waters  and  assigned  to  the 
air. 

3.  "Grant  to  all  Thy  servants,  whom  the  stream  of  Thy 
blood  hath  cleansed,  to  know  not  sinful  falls,  nor  suffer 
the  loathsomeness  of  spiritual  death."  Largire,  imper.  of 
largior.  TJnda  sanguinis:  This  is  by  some  taken  as  equiva- 
lent to  unda  et  sanguis.  It  would  then  contain  a  reference 
to  the  blood  and  water  that  flowed  from  the  pierced  side  of 
Our  Lord  (cf.  John  19,  34). 

4.  **Let  guilt  depress  no  one;  let  pride  exalt  no  one,  lest 
the  despondent  soul  be  disheartened,  and  the  proud  soul  be 
ruined. ' ' 


FRIDAY  AT  VESPERS 

28  Hominis  superne  Conditor 

TTOMINIS  superne  Conditor,       "IMTAKER  of  man,  who  from  Thy 
"■•-■■  Qui  cuncta  solus  ordinans,       -'-*-■•     throne 
Humum  jubes  producere  Dost  order  all  things,  God  alone; 

Reptantis  et  ferae  genus:  By  whose  decree  the  teeming  earth 

To  reptile  and  to  beast  gave  birth : 

*Et  magna  rerum  corpora.  The  mighty   forms   that   fill   the 
Dictu  jubentis  vivida,  land, 

Per  temporum  certas  vices  Instinct   with    life   at   Thy    com- 
Obtemperare  servulis:  mand, 


Are  given  subdued  to  humankind 
For  service  in  their  rank  assigned. 


82 


FRIDAY  AT  VESPERS 

•  Repelle,  quod  cupidinis  From  all  Thy  servants  drive  away 

Ciente  vi  nos  impetit,  Whate'er  of  thought  impure  to-day 

Aut  moribus  se  suggerit,  Hath  been  with  open  action  blent, 

Aut  actibus  se  interserit.  Or  mingled   with  the  heart's   in- 

tent. 

*Da  gaudiorura  praemia.  In  heaven  Thine  endless  joys  be- 

Da  gratiarum  munera:  stow, 

Dissolve  litis  vincula:  And    grant    Thy    gifts    of    grace 

Adstringe  pacis  foedera.  below; 

From  chains  of  strife  our  souls 

release, 
Bind    fast    the    gentle    bands    of 
peace. 

"Praesta,  Pater  piissime,  Grant  this,  0  Father,  ever  One 

Patrique  compar  Unice,  With    Christ,    Thy    sole-begotten 

Cum  Spiritu  Paraclito  Son, 

Regnans  per  omne  saeculum.  Whom,  with  the  Spirit  we  adore. 

One  God,  both  now  and  evermore. 

Author:  Probably  by  Pope  St.  Gregory  the  Great  (540- 
604).  Meter:  Iambic  dimeter.  Translation  by  J.  D. 
Chambers,  as  altered  in  the  English  Hymnal.  There  are 
sixteen  translations.  First  line  of  Original  Text:  Plasma- 
tor  hominis  Deus.  Theme:  The  work  of  the  sixth  day — 
the  creation  of  brute  animals  and  of  man  (Gen.  1,  24-31). 
The  following  is  verses  25  and  27  only:  Et  fecit  Deus 
bestias  terrae  juxta  species  suas,  et  jumenta  et  omne  rep- 
tile terrse  in  genere  suo.  Et  vidit  Deus  quod  esset  bonum. 
.  .  .  Et  creavit  Deus  hominem  ad  imaginem  suam:  ad 
imaginem  Dei  creavit  ilium ;  masculum  et  f eminam  creavit 
eos. 

1.  **0  august  Creator  of  man,  who  alone  dost  dispose 
all  things.  Thou  didst  command  that  the  earth  bring  forth 
reptiles  and  beasts."  Genus  reptantis=^Te-pti[isi:  genus 
/er£E=bestiae  terrse. 

2.  ''And  at  the  word  of  the  Creator,  the  huge  bodies  of 
created  beings  became  instinct  with  life,  to  obey  Thy 
servants  through  determined  changes  of  time."  Per  certas 
vices  temporum,  i.  e.,  while  fixed  periods  of  time  shall  last, 
man  is  to  rule  over  **the  fishes  of  the  sea,  the  fowls  of  the 
air,  and  the  beasts,  and  the  whole  earth"  (Gen.  1,  26). 

83 


THE  PSALTER 

3.  ** Drive  from  us  whatever  evil  desire  may  assail  us 
with  roused  up  violence,  whether  it  attaches  itself  to  our 
morals  or  intertwines  itself  with  our  actions."  Se  vnter- 
serit,  or  sows  itself  among.  Abp.  Bagshawe  translates  the 
last  two  lines : 

Or  mingles  with  our  inward  lives, 
Or  in  our  actions  plays  its  part. 

4.  ** Grant  us  the  reward  of  heavenly  joys;  bestow  upon 
us  gifts  of  grace;  rend  asunder  the  chains  of  strife;  draw 
closer  the  bonds  of  peace. ' ' 

SATURDAY  AT  VESPERS 

29  Jam  sol  recedit  igneus 

JAM  sol  recedit  igneus:  A  S  fades  the  glowing  orb  of  day, 

Tu  lux  perennis  Unites,  -^  To  Thee,  great  source  of  light, 

Nostris,  beata  Trinitas,  we  pray; 

Infunde  lumen  oordibus.  Blest  Three  in  One,  to  every  heart 

Thy  beams  of  life  and  love  im- 
part. 

'Te  mane  laudum  carmine.  At  early  dawn,  at  close  of  day, 

Te  deprecamur  vespere;  To  Thee  our  vows  we  humbly  pay; 

Digneris  ut  te  supplices  May  we,  mid  joys  that  never  end, 

Laudemus  inter  coelites.  With  Thy  bright  Saints  in  homage 

bend. 

•Patri,  simulque  Filio,  To  God  the  Father,  and  the  Son, 

Tibique  sancte  Spiritus,  And  Holy  Spirit,  Three  in  One, 

Sicut  fuit,  sit  jugiter  Be  endless  glory,  as  before 

Saeclum  per  omne  gloria.  The  world  began,  so  evermore. 

Author:  St.  Ambrose  (340-397).  Meter:  Iambic 
dimeter.  Translation  by  Father  Potter,  altered.  First 
line  of  Original  Text:  0  Lux  beata  Trinitas.  There  are 
thirty-two  translations,  twenty  of  which  are  from  the 
Roman  Breviary  Text.  There  are  thirteen  translations  of 
this  hymn  in  the  Annus  Sanctus,  two  of  which  are  from  the 
Original  Text.  This  hymn  is  also  used  at  Vespers  on  the 
Feast  of  the  Most  Holy  Trinity.  The  Original  Text  is 
there  given.  It  is  interesting  to  compare  the  two  texts. 
See  hymn  71. 

84 


SPECIAL  DOXOLOGIES 

1.  **The  fiery  sun  now  sinks  to  rest:  0  Thou  light 
eternal,  0  Unity  and  Blessed  Trinity,  infuse  Thy  light 
into  our  hearts. ' '  As  the  daylight  departs  we  ask  that  the 
eternal  light  shall  not  fail  us. 

2.  *'We  glorify  Thee  in  the  morning  with  a  hymn  of 
praise,  we  supplicate  Thee  in  the  evening;  deign  that  we, 
Thy  suppliants,  may  praise  Thee  among  the  Blessed." 

3.  Jugiter,  adv.,  forever. 


SPECIAL  DOXOLOGIES 

Special  doxologies  are  provided  in  the  Breviary  for  cer- 
tain feasts  and  seasons.  They  are  all  written  in  iambic 
dimeters,  and  they  replace  the  ordinary  doxologies  in  all 
hymns  of  the  same  meter. 

The  following  doxology  is  said  from  Christmas  till  the 
Epiphany,  during  the  Octave  of  Corpus  Christi,  on  the 
feasts  of  the  Sacred  Heart  and  Holy  Name,  and  on  feasts 
of  the  Blessed  Virgin  and  during  their  Octaves. 

Jesu,  tibi  sit  gloria,  All  honor,  laud,  and  glory  be. 

Qui  natus  es  de  Virgine,  0  Jesu,  Virgin-born,  to  Thee; 

Cum  Patre,  et  almo  Spiritu,  All  glory,  as  is  ever  meet. 

In  sempiterna  saecula.  To  Father  and  to  Paraclete. 

For  the  Epiphany  and  Octave 

Jesu,  tibi  sit  gloria,  All  glory,  Lord,  to  Thee  we  pay. 

Qui  apparuisti  gentibus.  For  Thine  Epiphany  to-day; 

Cum  Patre,  et  almo  Spiritu,  All  glory,  as  is  ever  meet. 

In  sempiterna  saecula.  To  Father  and  to  Paraclete. 

la  Pascbaltime 

Deo  Patri  sit  gloria,  To  Thee  who,  dead,  again  dost  live, 

Et  Filio,  qui  a  mortuis  All  glory,  Lord,  Thy  people  give; 

Surrexit,  ac  Paraclito,  All  glory,  as  is  ever  meet, 

In  sempiterna  ssecula.  To  Father  and  to  Paraclete. 

For  Ascensiontide 

Jesu,  tibi  sit  gloria.  All  Glory,  Lord,  to  Thee  we  pay. 

Qui  victor  in  coelum  redis,  Ascending  o'er  the  stars  to-day; 

Cum  Patre,  et  almo  Spiritu,  All  glory,  as  is  ever  meet, 

In  sempiterna  saecula.  To  Father  and  to  Paraclete. 

86 


THE  PSALTER 
THE  ANTIPHONS  OF  THE  BLESSED  VIRGIN 

The  Antiphons  of  the  Blessed  Virgin  are  four  in  number. 
In  Choir,  one  of  the  Antiphons  is  recited  at  the  end  of  cer- 
tain hours  in  accordance  with  the  following  general  rules : 
1.  At  the  end  of  Compline,  always.  2.  At  the  end  of  Lauds, 
when  no  other  hour  is  to  follow.  3.  When  Lauds  is  fol- 
lowed by  Prime  and  by  any  of  the  other  hours,  the  Antiphon 
is  said  at  the  end  of  the  last  hour  recited.  4.  At  the  end  of 
any  hour  recited  in  Choir  when  the  Office  is  finished  and 
the  members  of  the  Choir  are  to  retire  from  the  chapel. 

Out  of  Choir,  an  Antiphon  is  said  at  the  end  of  Com- 
pline, and  at  the  end  of  Lauds  if  the  Office  is  to  end  with 
Lauds,  otherwise  at  the  end  of  the  last  hour  recited. 

Read  the  first  article  on  Antiphon  in  the  Cath.  Encycl. 
Read  also  the  articles  on:  Alma  Redemptoris  Mater,  Ave 
Regina,  Regina  Coeli,  and  Salve  Regina. 


30 


Alma  Redemptoris  Mater 


\  LMA  Redemptoris  Mater 
-^^       quae  pervia  coeli 


MOTHER    benign    of    our    re- 
deeming Lord, 


Porta    manes,     et     Stella     maris,     Star  of  the  sea  and  portal  of  the 

succurre  cadenti,  skies, 

Surgere  qui  curat,  populo:  tu  quae     Unto     thy     fallen     people     help 
genuisti,  afiford — 

Fallen,  but  striving  still  anew  to 
rise. 

Natura    mirante,    tuum    sanctum     Thou     who     didst     once,     while 

Genitorem,  wond'ring  worlds  adored, 

Virgo  prius  ac  posterius,  Gabrielis     Bear  thy  Creator,  Virgin  then  as 

ab  ore  now, 

Sumens    illud    Ave,    peccatorum     0  by  thy  holy  joy  at  Gabriel's 
miserere.  word. 

Pity  the  sinners  who  before  tliee 
bow. 

Author:  Ascribed  to  Hermann  Contractus  (1013-1054). 
Meter  Hexameter.  Julian's  Diet,  of  Hymnol.  mentions 
translations  by  Cardinal  Newman,  and  by  Fathers  Caswall 
and  Wallace,  O.S.B.    For  the  above  translation  the  editor 

86 


ANTIPHONS  OF  OUR  LADY 

has  to  thank  the  distinguished  scholar,  the  Rt.  Rev.  Sir 
David  Oswald  Hunter-Blair,  O.S.B.  Liturgical  Use: 
Antiphon  of  our  Blessed  Lady  from  the  Vespers  of  the 
Saturday  before  the  first  Sunday  of  Advent  to  the  Feast 
of  the  Purification,  inclusive. 

*  *  0  loving  Mother  of  the  Redeemer,  who  dost  remain  the 
ever  accessible  portal  of  heaven,  and  the  star  of  the  sea, 
aid  thy  fallen  people  who  strive  to  rise ;  thou  who,  a  Virgin 
both  before  and  after  receiving  that  Ave  from  the  mouth  of 
Gabriel,  didst,  while  nature  wondered,  give  birth  to  thy 
Holy  Creator;  have  pity  on  us  sinners." 


31  Ave  Regina  coelorum 

A  VE  Regina  coelorum,  TTAIL,    0    Queen    of    heaven, 

■^*-  Ave  Domina  Angelorum:  •*■■■-      enthroned! 

Salve  radix,  salve  porta.  Hail,  by  Angels  Mistress  owned! 

Ex  qua  mundo  lux  est  orta:  Root  of  Jesse,  Gate  of  morn, 

Whence  the  world's  true  Light  was 
born : 

Gaude  Virgo  gloriosa,  Glorious  Virgin,  joy  to  thee, 

Super  omnes  speciosa,  Loveliest    whom    in   heaven   they 

Vale,  o  valde  decora,  see: 

Et  pro  nobis  Christum  exora.  Fairest  thou  where  all  are  fair. 

Plead  with  Christ  our  sins  to  spare. 

AuTHOKSHip  and  date  of  composition  uncertain.  It  has 
been  in  use  since  the  twelfth  century.  Meter:  Trochaic 
dimeter.  Translation  by  Father  Caswall.  There  are  at 
least  four  additional  translations.  Liturgical  Use: 
Antiphon  proper  to  the  season  after  the  Purification,  that 
is,  from  the  end  of  Compline  of  Feb.  2d  (even  should  the 
Feast  of  the  Purification  be  transferred)  until  Maundy 
Thursday,  exclusive. 

**Hail,  Queen  of  Heaven;  hail.  Mistress  of  Angels;  hail, 
Root;  hail,  Portal  whence  came  forth  Light  unto  the 
world. ' ' 

** Rejoice,  0  glorious  Virgin,  surpassing  all  in  beauty;  we 
greet  thee,  Virgin  most  fair,  intercede  with  Christ  for  us. ' ' 

Radix:  "root  of  Jesse,"  i.e.,  an  offshoot  from  the  root 

87 


THE  PSALTER 

of  Jesse;  a  descendant  of  Jesse,  the  father  of  David.  The 
Blessed  Virgin  was  of  the  House  of  David ;  Jesse  therefore 
was  one  of  her  ancestors.  Mary  is  a  root  of  Jesse,  but  her 
Divine  Son  is  the  root  of  Jesse  (cf.  Is.  11,  1;  Bom.  15,  12). 


32 


Regina  coeli  Icetare 


"DEGINA  coeli  laetare,  alleluja,       JOY  to  thee,  0  Queen  of  heaven 


Quia  quem  meruisti  portare, 
alleluja, 
Resurrexit,  sicut  dixit,  alleluja, 
Ora  pro  nobis  Deum,  alleluja. 


pl^         Alleluia. 

He  whom  it  was  thine  to  bear; 

Alleluia. 
As    He    promised,    hath    arisen; 

Alleluia. 
Plead   for   us   a   pitying  prayer; 

Alleluia. 


Author,  unknown ;  it  is  found  in  14th  cent,  manuscripts. 
Translation  by  Father  Caswall.  There  are  ten  transla- 
tions. Liturgical  Use:  Antiphon  of  Our  Lady  from  Com- 
pline of  Holy  Saturday,  inclusive,  till  None  of  the  Saturday 
after  Pentecost,  inclusive. 


33 


Salve  Regina 


SALVE    Regina,    mater    miseri- 
cordiae, 
Vita,  dulcedo  et  spes  nostra,  salve. 
Ad    te    clamamus,    exsules    filii 
Hevse. 


SAIL  to  the  Queen  who  reigns 
above, 
Mother  of  clemency  and  love, 
Hail,  thou,  our  hope,  life,  sweet- 
ness;  we 
Eve's   banished    children    cry    to 
thee. 


Ad    te    suspiramus,    gementes    et 
flentes  in  hac   lacrimariun 
valle. 
Eja  ergo,  advocata  nostra, 
Illos  tuos  misericordes  oculos  ad 
nos  converte. 

Et    Jestmi,    benedictum    fructum 

ventris  tui, 
Nobis  post  hoc  exsilium  ostende. 
0  clemens,  o  pia,  o  dulcis  Virgo 

Maria. 


We  from  this   wretched   vale   of 

tears 
Send  sighs  and  groans  unto  thy 

ears; 
Oh,  then,  sweet  Advocate,  bestow 
A  pitying  look  on  us  below. 

After  this  exile,  let  us  see 

Our  Blessed  Jesus,  born  of  thee. 

0  merciful,  0  pious  Maid, 

0  gracious  Mary,  lend  thine  aid. 


88 


ANTIPHONS  OF  OUR  LADY 

Author:  Ascribed  to  Hermann  Contractus  (1013-1054). 
Translation"  from  the  Primer,  1685.  There  are  fifteen 
metrical  translations,  and  the  beautiful  prose  version  which 
is  said  after  every  Low  Mass.  Liturgical  Use  :  Antiphon 
of  our  Blessed  Lady  from  the  First  Vespers  of  the  Feast 
of  the  Most  Holy  Trinity  until  None  of  the  Saturday  before 
the  first  Sunday  of  Advent.  Since  Jan.  6,  1884,  the  Salve 
Regina  forms  a  part  of  the  prayers  which  Pope  Leo  XIII 
ordered  to  be  said  after  every  Low  Mass. 


89 


Part  II 
tlf)t  proper  of  tf^t  i^eafi(on 
ADVENT 

34  The  Great  Antiphons  of  Advent 

The  seven  Great  Antiphons,  or  0  Antiphons,  as  they  are 
called,  are  said,  one  each  day,  at  the  Magnificat  in  Vespers, 
from  December  the  17th  to  the  23d,  inclusive.  Although  not 
written  in  meter,  they  are  strikingly  poetical  in  thought, 
and  replete  with  Scriptural  allusions.  Each  Antiphon  sa- 
lutes the  coming  Messias  under  one  of  His  many  Scrip- 
tural titles,  and  closes  with  a  proper  petition.  The  au- 
thorship and  date  of  composition  are  unknown.  They  are, 
however,  at  least  as  old  as  the  ninth  century,  and  probably 
much  older.  There  are  several  translations  in  both  prose 
and  verse.  Mr.  Shipley's  Annus  Sanctus  contains  a  metri- 
cal version  by  H.  N.  Oxenham.  Read  the  articles  on  the 
0  Antiphons,  and  on  Advent,  in  the  Cath,  Encycl, 

O  Sapientia 

OSAPIENTIA,  quae  ex  ore  Al-  r\    WISDOM,    that    proceedest 

tissimi  prodiisti,  attingens  a  ^^  from  the  mouth  of  the  Most 

fine     usque     ad     finem,     fortiter  High,  reaching  from  end  to  end 

suaviterque      disponens      omnia:  mightily,    and    sweetly    disposing 

veni     ad     docendum     nos    viam  all  things:  come  and  teach  us  the 

prudentise.  way  of  prudence, 

0  Sapientia:  Ego  (Sapientia)  ex  ore  Altissimi  prodivi 
(Ecclus.  24,  5).  Attingens:  Attingit  ergo  a  fine  usque  ad 
finem  fortiter,  et  disponit  omnia  suaviter  (Wis.  8, 1). 

91 


PROPER  OF  THE  SEASON 
O  Adonai 

OADONAI,    et    Dux    domus  r\  ADONAI,  and  Leader  of  the 

Israel,    qui    Moysi    in    igne  ^^  House    of   Israel,    who   didst 

flammae  rubi  apparuisti,  et  ei  in  appear  unto  Moses  in  the  burning 

Sina     legem     dedisti:     veni     ad  bush,  and  gavest  Him  the  Law  on 

redimendum   nos   in   brachio   ex-  Sinai:    come   and   redeem  us  by 

tento.  Thy  outstretched  arm, 

Adonai:  This  is  the  Hebrew  substitute  for  the  ineffable 
name  of  Jehovah.  It  is  rendered  in  the  Vulgate  by  **  Do- 
minus,  ' '  and  in  the  Douay  Bible  by  '  *■  Lord. "  It  is  retained 
in  both  texts  twice,  viz.,  in  Exodus  6,  3,  and  in  Judith  16, 
16.  Read  the  foot-note  on  Exodus  6,  3,  in  the  Douay  Bible. 
See  also  the  articles  on  Adonai,  and  Jehovah,  in  the  Cath. 
Encycl.  Domus  Israel:  The  House  of  Israel,  i.e.,  the 
Israelites,  the  Jews,  the  chosen  people  of  God.  The  ex- 
pression occurs  very  often  in  the  Old  Testament,  and  a  few 
times  in  the  New.  Read  the  article  on  Jacob,  and  the  be- 
ginning of  the  article  on  Israelite,  in  the  Cath.  Encycl. 
FlammcB  rubi:  Apparuitque  ei  (Moysi)  Dominus  in  flamma 
ignis  de  medio  rubi  (Exod.  3,  2).  In  Sina  legem  dedisti: 
Cf.  Exod.,  beginning  with  chapter  19. 


O  Radix 

0    RADIX   Jesse,    qui   stas   in  /~\  ROOT  of  Jesse,  who  standest 

signum     populorum,     super  ^^  as  the  ensign  of  the  people, 

quem  continebunt  reges  os  suum,  before  whom  kings  shall  not  open 

quern  Gentes  deprecabuntur :  veni  their  lips;  to  whom  the  Gentiles 

ad     liberandum    nos,     jam    noli  shall  pray:  come  and  deliver  us, 

tardare,  tarry  now  no  more. 

Radix  Jesse:  In  die  ilia,  radix  Jesse,  qui  stat  in  signum 
populorum,  ipsum  gentes  deprecabuntur  (Is.  11, 10).  **Root 
of  Jesse,"  i.e.,  a  descendant  from  Jesse,  the  father  of  David 
(Rom.  15,  12).  Our  Lord,  as  the  Son  of  the  Virgin  Mary, 
was  of  the  House  of  David,  hence  a  root  of  Jesse.  Signum 
populorum:  An  allusion  to  the  ensign  of  the  Cross,  around 
which  the  nations  would  rally.  Super  quem:  super  ipsum 
continebunt  reges  os  suum  (Is.  52,  15). 

92 


GREATER  ANTIPHONS  OF  ADVENT 

O  Clavls  David 

OCLAVIS  David,  et  sceptrum  /~\  KEY  of  David,  and  Scepter 
domus  Israel;  qui  aperis,  et  ^^  of  the  House  of  Israel;  who 
nemo  claudit;  claudis,  et  nemo  openest,  and  no  man  shutteth ;  who 
aperit:  veni,  et  educ  vinctum  de  shuttest,  and  no  man  openeth: 
domo  carceris,  sedentem  in  tene-  come  and  lead  the  captive  from 
bris,  et  umbra  mortis.  the   prison-house,    and    him    that 

sitteth    in    darkness    and    in    the 
shadow  of  death. 

Clavis  David:  Hsec  dicit  Sanctus  et  Verus,  qui  habet 
clavem  David :  qui  aperit,  et  nemo  claudit :  claudit,  et  nemo 
aperit  (Apoc.  3,  7).  Cf.  also  Is.  22,  22.  Et  sceptrum:  Et 
Israel  sceptrum  hereditatis  ejus  (Jer.  51,  19).  Et  educ: 
et  educeres  de  conclusione  vinctum,  de  domo  carceris  seden- 
tes  in  tenebris  (Is.  42,  7). 

O  Orlens 

OORIENS,  splendor  lucis  r\  ORIENT,  Splendor  of  the 
astemae,  et  sol  justitiae:  veni,  ^-^  Eternal  Light,  and  Sun  of 
et  illumina  sedentes  in  tenebris,  Justice:  come  and  enlighten  them 
et  umbra  mortis.  that  sit   in   darkness  and  in  the 

shadow  of  death. 

Oriens:  Variously  rendered,  dayspring,  sunrise,  dawn, 
east.  It  is  one  of  the  many  Scriptural  titles  of  the  Mes- 
sias,  who  was  to  be  the  Light  of  the  world  (John  8,  12), 
the  Sun  of  Justice  (Mai.  4,  2),  the  Orient  from  on  high  who 
visited  us  (Luke  1,  78),  and  who  from  eternity  has  been  the 
Splendor  of  the  Father's  glory  (Heb.  1,  3).  Splendor: 
Candor  est  enim  lucis  aeternae  (Wis.  7,  26).  Illumina:  II- 
luminare  his,  qui  in  tenebris,  et  in  umbra  mortis  sedent 
(Luke  1,  79). 

O  Rex  Qentium 

OREX  Gentium,  et  desideratus  r\  KING  of  the  Gentiles,  yea, 
earum,  lapisque  angularis,  ^-^  and  the  desire  thereof,  the 
qui  f acis  utraque  unum :  veni,  et  Corner-stone  that  makest  both  one : 
salva  horainem,  quern  de  Ikno  come  and  save  man,  whom  Thou 
formasti.  hast  made  out  of  the  slime  of  the 

earth. 

93 


PROPER  OF  THE  SEASON 

Rex  Gentium:  Erit  radix  Jesse,  et  qui  exurget  regere 
gentes,  in  eum  gentes  sperabunt  (Rom.  15,  12;  Is.  11,  10). 
Desideratus:  et  veniet  desideratus  cunctis  gentibus  (Agg. 
2,  8).  Lapis  angularis:  Christ  is  the  Corner-stone  (Eph. 
2,  20).  He  is  also  our  peacemaker  who  maketh  both  one 
(Eph.  2,  14).  The  Jews  and  Gentiles  are  the  two  who 
are  made  one.  Christ  died  for  all,  and  He  founded  a 
Church  to  save  all  men  without  distinction  of  race.  De 
limo:  Formavit  igitur  Dominus  Deus  hominem  de  limo 
terras  (Gen.  2,  7). 

O  Emmanuel 

0  EMMANUEL,  Rex  et  legifer  r\  EMMANUEL,  our  king  and 
noster,  exspectatio  gentium,  ^^  lawgiver,  the  expectation  of 
et  Salvator  earum:  veni  ad  sal-  all  nations  and  their  Saviour: 
vandum  nos  Domine  Deus  noster.     come  and  save  us,  0  Lord  our 

God. 

Emmanuel:  Cf.  Matt.  1,  23.  Exspectatio  gentium:  et 
ipse  erit  exspectatio  gentium  (Gen.  49,  10).  Read  the  ar- 
ticle on  Emmanuel,  in  the  Cath.  Encycl. 

The  following  beautiful  paraphrase  of  five  of  the  above 
Antiphons  is  found  in  a  hymn  which  dates  from  the  be- 
ginning of  the  eighteenth  century.  The  translation  is  by 
J.  M.  Neale. 

34B  Vent»  veni,  Emmanuel 

VENI,  veni,  Emmanuel;  /~\  COME,  0  come,  Emmanuel, 

Captivum  solve  Israel,  ^-^  And  ransom  captive  Israel, 

Qui  gemit  in  exilio.  That  mourns  in  lonely  exile  here, 

Privatus  Dei  Filio.  Until  the  Son  of  God  appear. 
Gaude!  gaude!  Emmanuel  Rejoice!    rejoice!   Emmanuel 

Nascetur  pro  te,  Israel.  Shall  come  to  thee,  0  Israel. 

"Veni,  o  Jesse  Virgula;  O  come,  Thou  Rod  of  Jesse,  free 

Ex  hostis  tuos  imgula.  Thine  own  from  Satan's  tyranny; 

De  specu  tuos  tartari  From  depths  of  hell  Thy  people 

Educ,  et  antro  barathri.  save, 

Gaude!   gaude!   Emmanuel  And  give  them  victory   o'er  the 

Nascetur  pro  te,  Israel.  grave. 

Rejoice!   rejoice!   Emmanuel 
Shall  come  to  thee,  0  Israel. 

94 


ADVENT 


•Veni,  veni,  o  Oriens; 
Solare  nos  adveniens; 
Noctis  depelle  nebulas 
Dirasque  noctis  tenebras. 
Gaude!  gaude!  Emmanuel 
Nascetur  pro  te,  Israel. 


*Veni,  Clavis  Davidica; 
Regna  reclude  coelica; 
Fac  iter  tutum  superum, 
Et  claude  vias  inferum. 
Gaude!  gaude!  Emmanuel 
Nascetur  pro  te,  Israel. 


'Veni,  veni,  Adonai, 
Qui  populo  in  Sinai 
Legem  dedisti  vertice 
In  ma j estate  gloriae. 

Gaude!  gaude!  Emmanuel 
Nascetur  pro  te,  Israel. 


0  come,  Thou  Dayspring,  frwn  on 

high, 
And   cheer   us   by   Thy   drawing 

nigh; 
Disperse   the    gloomy    clouds    of 

night. 
And  death's  dark  shadows  put  to 

flight. 
Rejoice!    rejoice!   Emmanuel 
Shall  come  to  thee,  0  Israel. 

0  come,  Thou  Key  of  David,  come 
And    open    wide    our    heavenly 

home; 
Make  safe  the  way  that  leads  on 

high 
And  close  the  path  to  misery. 
Rejoice!  rejoice!  Emmanuel 
Shall  come  to  thee,  0  Israel. 

0  come,  Adonai,  Lord  of  might, 
Who    to    Thy    tribes,    on    Sinai's 

height, 
In  ancient  times  didst  give  the  law 
In  cloud  and  majesty  and  awe. 
Rejoice!  rejoice!  Emmanuel 
Shall  come  to  thee,  0  Israel. 


35 


Creator  alme  siderum 


CREATOR  alme  siderum, 
interna  lux  credentium, 
Jesu  Redemptor  omnium, 
Intende  votis  supplicum. 


BRIGHT  Builder  of  the  heaven- 
ly  poles. 
Eternal  light  of  faithful  souls, 
Jesus,  Redeemer  of  mankind. 
Our  humble  prayers  vouchsafe  to 
mind. 


'Qui  daemonis  ne  fraudibus 
Periret  orbis,  impetu 
Amoris  actus,  languidi 
Mundi  medela  factus  es. 


Who,  lest  the  fraud  of  hell's  black 

king 
Should    all    men    to    destruction 

bring, 
Didst,  by  an  act  of  generous  love, 
The    fainting    world's    physician 

prove. 


95 


PROPER  OF  THE  SEASON 


'Commune  qui  mundi  nefas 
Ut  expiares;  ad  crucem 
E  Virginis  sacrario 
Intacta  prodis  victima. 


*Cujus  potestas  gloriae, 
Nomenque  cum  primum  sonat; 
Et  coelites  et  inferi 
Tremente  curvantur  genu. 


Te  deprecamur  ultimae 
Magnum  diei  Judicem, 
Armis  supernae  gratiae 
Defende  nos  ab  hostibus. 


'Virtus,  honor,  laus,  gloria 
Deo  Patri  cum  Filio, 
Sancto  simul  Paraclito, 
In  sseculorum  ssecula. 


Who,  that  Thou  mightst  our  ran- 
som pay 

And  wash  the  stains  of  sin  away, 

Wouldst  from  a  Virgin's  womb 
proceed 

And  on  the  Cross  a  Victim  bleed. 

Whose  glorious  power,  whose  sav- 
ing name 

No  sooner  any  voice  can  frame. 

But  heaven  and  earth  and  hell 
agree 

To  honor  them  with  trembling 
knee. 

Thee,   Christ,   who   at  the   latter 

day 
Shalt  be  our  Judge,  we  humbly 

pray 
Such  arms  of  heavenly  grace  to 

send 
As  may  Thy  Church  from  foee 

defend. 

Be  glory  given  and  honor  done 
To  God  the  Father  and  the  Son 
And  to  the  Holy  Ghost  on  high, 
From  age  to  age  eternally. 


Author  :  Ambrosian,  7tli  cent.  Meter  :  Iambic  dimeter. 
Translation  :  a  cento  from  the  Primer,  1685^  and  the  Even- 
img  Office,  17 10.  First  line  of  Original  Text ;  Conditor  ahne 
siderum.  The  Advent  hymns  were  greatly  altered  by  the 
revisers  under  Pope  Urban  VIII  (1632).  Only  one  line  of 
this  hymn  was  left  unaltered,  and  only  twelve  words  of  the 
original  were  retained.  Including  both  texts  there  are 
about  thirty  translations,  nine  of  which  are  in  Mr.  Shipley's 
Annus  Smictus,  both  texts  being  represented.  Liturgical 
Use:  Vespers  hymn  for  Sundays  and  week-days  during 
Advent. 

The  hymns  and  antiphons  of  Advent  present  in  a  concise 
and  admirable  manner  the  leading  ideas  of  that  holy  sea- 
sou. 

96 


ADVENT 

1.  '^0  Jesus,  kind  Creator  of  the  stars,  eternal  light 
of  the  faithful,  Redeemer  of  all,  give  ear  to  the  prayers 
of  Thy  suppliants. ' '  Creator:  Omnia  per  ipsum  facta  sunt : 
et  sine  ipso  factum  est  nihil  quod  factum  est  (John  1,  3). 
Lux:  Erat  lux  vera,  quae  illuminat  omnem  hominem  venien- 
tem  in  hunc  mundum  (John  1,  9). 

2.  ' '  Thou  wast  impelled  by  the  power  of  love  to  become 
a  remedy  for  the  languid  world,  lest  mankind  should  perish 
through  the  cunning  of  the  devil."  Constr.  Qui  actus 
impetu  amoris,  factus  es  medela  mundi  languidi,  ne  orbis 
fraudibus  daemonis  periret.    Actus=comiiiot\is. 

3.  *'To  expiate  the  common  guilt  of  mankind.  Thou,  a 
spotless  Victim,  didst  go  forth  to  the  Cross  from  the  sacred 
womb  of  a  Virgin." 

4.  * '  The  might  of  Thy  glory  is  such  that  as  soon  as  Thy 
name  is  uttered,  the  blessed  and  the  damned  alike  bend 
with  trembling  knee."  Cujus  (est).  Nomen:  Ut  in  nomine 
Jesu  omne  genu  flectatur  ccelestium,  terrestrium  et  infer- 
norum  (Philip.  2,  10). 

5.  ''We  beseech  Thee,  great  Judge  of  the  last  day,  de- 
fend us  from  our  enemies  with  weapons  of  heavenly  grace. ' ' 


36  Verbum  supernum  prodiens 

VERBUM  supernum  prodiens,    /"^ELESTIAL  Word,  to  this  our 
E  Patris  astern  i  sinu  ^        earth 

Qui  natus  orbi  subvenis,  Sent    down    from    God's    eternal 

Labente  cursu  temporis:  clime. 

To  save  mankind  by  mortal  birth 
Into  a  world  of  change  and  time; 

'Illimiina  nunc  pectora,  Enlighten  our  hearts;  vain  hopes 

Tuoque  amore  concrema,  destroy; 

Ut  cor  caduca  deserens  And  in  Thy  love's  consuming  fire 

Coeli  voluptas  impleat.  Fill  all  the  soul  with  heavenly  joy, 

And  melt  the  dross  of  low  desire. 

'Ut,  cum  tribunal  Judicis  So  when  the  Judge  of  quick  and 

Damnabit  igni  noxios,  dead 

Shall    bid    His    awful    summons 
come, 

97 


PROPER  OF  THE  SEASON 

Et  vox  arnica  debitum  To  whelm  the   guilty  aoul  with 

Vocabit  ad  coelum  pios.  dread, 

And  call  the  blessed  to  their  home, 

*  Non  esca  flammarum  nigros  Saved   from  the   whirling,   black 

Volvamur  inter  turbines,  abyss, 

Vultu  Dei  sed  compotes  Forevermore  to  us  be  given 

Coeli  fruamur  gaudiis.  To  share  the  feast  of  saintly  bliss, 

And  see  the  face  of  God  in  heaven. 

To  God  the  Father  and  the  Son 
"Patri  simulque  Filio,  Our   songs   with    one   accord   we 

Tibique  sancte  Spiritus,  raise; 

Sicut  fuit,  sit  jugiter  And  to  the  Holy  Spirit,  One 

Saeclum  per  omne  gloria.  With  Them,  be  ever  equal  praise. 


Author:  Ambrosian,  5th  or  6th  cent.  Meter:  Iambic 
dimeter.  Translation  by  W.  J.  Courthope.  There  are 
about  thirty  translations,  four  of  which  are  in  the  Annus 
Sanctus.  Liturgical  Use:  Hymn  for  Matins  on  Sundays 
and  week-days  during  Advent.  There  is  an  article  on  this 
hymn  in  the  Cath.  Encycl. 

1.  * '  0  Heavenly  "Word  proceeding  from  the  bosom  of  the 
Eternal  Father,  Thou  wast  born,  and  didst  come  to  the  aid 
of  the  world,  in  the  fleeting  course  of  time. ' '  Verhunij  the 
Word,  the  Eternal  Son  (cf.  John  1,  1-14).  Constr.:  Qui 
labente  cursu  temporis  (abl.  absol.)  natus  es  (et)  orbi  sub- 
venis. 

2.  "Enlighten  Thou  our  hearts  and  inflame  them  with 
Thy  love,  that  the  joys  of  heaven  may  fill  the  heart  which 
abandons  perishable  things."  Constr.:  Ut  voluptas  coeli 
impleat  cor  deserens  caduca. 

3-4.  *  *  That  when  the  tribunal  of  the  Judge  shall  condemn 
the  guilty  to  the  flames,  and  a  friendly  voice  shall  call  the 
just  to  the  heaven  due  to  them,  may  we  then  not  be  cast 
headlong  into  the  black  whirlpool  as  the  food  of  flames,  but 
participating  in  the  beatific  vision,  may  we  enjoy  the 
pleasures  of  heaven."  Dehitum:  due  to  them,  because 
promised  to  them  by  Christ.  Constr. :  Ut  non  volvamur 
esca  flammarum  inter  nigros  turbines,  sed  compotes  vultu 
Dei  fruamur  gaudiis  cceli. 

9S 


37 


ADVENT 
En  clara  vox  redarguit 


EN  clara  vox  redarguit 
Obscura  quaeque  personans: 
Procul  fugentur  somnia: 
Ab  alto  Jesus  promicat. 


'Mens  jam  resurgat  torpida, 
Non  amplius  jacens  humi: 
Sidus  refulget  jam  novum, 
Ut  tollat  omne  noxium. 


'  En  Agnus  ad  nos  mittitur 
Laxare  gratis  debitum: 
Omnes  simul  cmn  lacrimis 
Precemur  indulgentiam: 


*Ut,  cum  secundo   fulserit, 
Metuque  mundum  cinxerit, 
Non  pro  reatu  puniat, 
Sed  nos  pius  tunc  protegat. 


''Virtus,  honor,  laus,  gloria 
Deo  Patri  cum  Filio, 
Sancto  simul  Paraclito, 
In  ssculorum  ssecula. 


TJARK,  a  herald  voice  is  call- 

"Christ  is  nigh,"  it  seems  to  say; 
"Cast  away  the  dreams  of  darkness, 
O  ye  children  of  the  day." 

Startled  at  the  solemn  warning. 
Let  the  earth-bound  soul  arise; 
Christ,    her    Sun,    all    sloth    dis- 
pelling. 
Shines  upon  the  morning  skies. 

Lo,  the  Lamb,  so  long  expected, 
Comes    with   pardon   down   from 

heaven ; 
Let  us  haste,  with  tears  of  sorrow, 
One  and  all  to  be  forgiven. 

So    when    next    He    comes    with 

glory. 
Wrapping  all  the  earth  in  fear. 
May  He  then  as  our  defender 
On  the  clouds  of  heaven  appear. 

Honor,  glory,  virtue,  merit, 
To  the  Father  and  the  Son, 
With  the  co-eternal  Spirit, 
While  eternal  ages  run. 


Author:  Ambrosian,  5tli  cent.  Meter:  Iambic  dimeter. 
Translation  by  Father  Caswall,  first  line  altered.  First 
line  of  Original  Text:  Vox  clara  ecce  intonat.  There  are 
twenty-seven  translations,  seven  of  which  are  from  the 
Original  Text.  The  Annus  Sanctus  contains  three  trans- 
lations. This  beautiful  hymn  breathes  the  spirit  of  Ad- 
vent: it  is  an  excellent  summary  of  the  Epistle  (Rom.  13, 
11-14),  and  of  the  Gospel  (Luke  21,  25-33)  of  the  first  Sun- 
day of  Advent.  Liturgical  Use  :  Hymn  for  Lauds  on  Sun- 
days and  week-days  during  Advent. 

1.  **Lo,  a  clear  voice  exhorts,  penetrating  everything 
darksome:  Let  dreams  be  banished  afar:  Jesus  shines 
forth  from  heaven."    Clara  vox:  These  words  are  probably 

99 


PROPER  OF  THE  SEASON 

an  allusion  to  the  great  preacher  of  penance,  St.  John  the 
Baptist,  who  said  of  himself :  Ego  vox  clamantis  in  deserto: 
dirigite  viam  Domini,  sicut  dixit  Isaias  propheta  (John 
1,  23:  Is.  40,  3).  Redarguit:  lit.,  to  contradict,  refute;  to 
admonish,  urge  to  penance.  This  stanza  might  also  be 
rendered:  ''Behold,  a  clear  penetrating  voice  reveals  the 
falsity  of  darksome  things,"  etc. 

2.  ''Let  the  slothful  soul  now  rise,  no  longer  remaining 
prostrate  on  the  ground:  a  new  star  now  shines  forth  to 
take  away  everything  harmful. ' '  Sidus  novum  =  Christus. 
Christ  was  the  star  that  was  to  rise  out  of  Jacob  (Num. 
24,  17),  and  take  away  the  sins  of  the  world  (John  1,  29). 
Noxium,  sinful. 

3.  "Behold,  the  Lamb  is  sent  to  us,  to  pay  our  debt 
gratuitously:  together,  let  us  all  with  tears  pray  for  par- 
don." Agnus:  In  the  Scriptures,  the  lamb  is  a  most  com- 
mon symbol  of  Our  Lord  (cf.  Is.  53,  7;  Jer.  11,  19;  John 
1,  29). 

4.  "That,  when  for  the  second  time  He  comes  resplen- 
dent and  girdles  the  world  with  fear,  He  may  not  punish 
us  according  to  our  deserts,  but  may  He  then  lovingly  pro- 
tect us. ' '    Fulserit  =  fulgens  advenerit. 


CHRISTMASTIDE 
38  Jesu,  Redemptor  omnium 

JESU,  Redemptor  omnium,  TESUS,  the   Ransomer   of  man, 

Quem  lucis  ante  originem  J    Who,  ere  created  light  began, 

Parem  paternae  gloriae  Didst  from  the   sovereign   Father 

Pater  supremus  edidit.  spring, 

His  power  and  glory  equalling. 

^Tu  lumen,  et  splendor  Patris,  The  Father's  Light  and  Splendor 

Tu  spes  perennis  omnium,  Thou, 

Intende  quas  fundunt  preces  Their  endless  Hope  to  Thee  that 

Tui  per  orbem  servuli.  bow; 

Accept    the    prayers    and    praise 

to-day 
That     through     the     world     Thy 
servants  pay. 

100 


CHRISTMASTIDE 


'Memento,  rerum  Conditor, 
Nostri  quod  dim  corporis, 
Sacrata  ab  alvo  Virginis 
Nascendo,  formam  sumpseris. 


*Testatur  hoc  prsesens  dies, 
Currens  per  anni  circulum. 
Quod  solus  e  sinu  Patris 
Mundi  salus  adveneris. 


'Hunc  astra,  tellus,  aequora, 
Hunc  omne  quod  coelo  subest, 
Salutis  Auctorem  novae 
Novo  salutat  cantico. 


*  Et  nos,  beata  quos  sacri 
Rigavit  unda  sanguinis; 
Natalis  ob  diem  tui 
Hymni  tributum  solvimus. 


'Jesu,  tibi  sit  gloria, 
Qui  natus  es  de  Virgine, 
Cum  Patre,  et  almo  Spiritu 
In  sempiterna  ssecula. 


Salvation's  Author,  call  to  mind 
How,  taking  form  of  humankind, 
Born  of  a  Virgin  undefiled, 
Thou   in   man's   flesh   becam'st  a 
Child. 

Thus  testifies  the  present  day. 
Through  every  year  in  long  array, 
That     Thou,     salvation's     source 

alone, 
Proceededst     from     the     Father's 

throne. 

The    heavens    above,    the    rolling 

main 
And  all  that  earth's  wide  realms 

contain, 
With    joyous    voice    now    loudly 

sing 
The  glory  of  their  new-born  King. 

And    we    who,   by    Thy   precious 

Blood 
From  sin   redeemed,   are  marked 

for  God, 
On   this   the    day   that   saw    Thy 

birth, 
Sing  the  new  song  of  ransomed 

earth. 

0  Lord,  the  Virgin-born,  to  Thee 
Eternal  praise  and  glory  be, 
Whom  with  the  Father  we  adore 
And  Holy  Ghost  forevermore. 


Author:  Ambrosian,  6tli  cent.  Meter:  Iambic  dimeter. 
Translation  by  J.  M.  Neale,  Father  Potter,  and  the  Even- 
ing OfiQce,  1710.  First  line  of  Original  Text:  Christe,  Re- 
demptor  omnium.  There  are  twenty-five  translations,  six 
of  which  are  in  the  Annus  Sanctus.  Liturgical  Use  :  Hymn 
for  Vespers  and  Matins  on  Christmas  Day. 

1.  ''Jesus,  the  Eedeemer  of  all,  who,  being  the  equal  of 
the  Father's  glory,  was  begotten  of  the  Sovereign  Father 
before  the  beginning  of  light."  The  three  Persons  of  the 
Holy  Trinity  are  co-equal,  co-eternal,  and  consubstantial. 

101 


PROPER  OF  THE  SEASON 

2.  *'Thou  light  and  splendor  of  the  Father,  Thou  never- 
failing  hope  of  all,  give  ear  to  the  prayers  which  Thy  ser- 
vants throughout  the  world  pour  forth."  In  the  hymna, 
Christ  is  repeatedly  styled,  lux,  juhar,  lumen,  and  splen- 
dor Patris.  Cum  sit  splendor  glorise  et  figura  substantiie 
ejus  (1  Heb.  1,  3). 

3.  "Remember,  0  Creator  of  the  world,  that  in  being 
born  Thou  didst  once  assume  the  form  of  our  body  from  the 
sacred  womb  of  a  Virgin." 

4.  ''The  present  day  (the  Feast  of  Christmas)  recurring 
in  the  course  of  each  year,  bears  witness  to  this,  that  Thou 
alone  didst  come  forth  from  the  bosom  of  the  Father,  the 
salvation  of  the  world."    Solus  =  Filius  unigenitus. 

5.  ' '  The  stars,  the  earth,  and  the  seas,  and  every  creature 
under  heaven  doth  greet  Him  with  a  new  canticle,  as  the 
author  of  the  new  salvation."  Salutis  novae:  the  New  Law 
with  its  Sacraments  and  other  means  of  grace. 

6.  ''"We  also,  whom  the  sacred  stream  of  Thy  blood  hath 
cleansed,  pay  Thee  the  tribute  of  a  hymn  on  Thy  birth- 
day." 


39  A  soils  ortus  cardine 

ASOLIS  ortus  cardine  tpROM   lands  that  see  the  sun 

Ad  usque  terrae  limitem,  ■■-         arise 

Christum  canamus  Principem,         To  earth's  remotest  boundaries, 
Natum  Maria  Virgine.  The  Virgin-born  to-day  we  sing, 

The  Son  of  Mary,  Christ  the  King. 

'  Beatus  auctor  saeculi  Blest  Author  of  this  earthly  frame, 

Servile  corpus  induit:  To  take  a  servant's  form  He  came, 

Ut  came  carnem  liberans,  That,  liberating  flesh  by  flesh, 

Ne  perderet  quos  condidit.  Whom  He  had  made  might  live 

afresh. 

*  Cast8e  Parentis  viscera  In  that  chaste  parent's  holy  womb 

Coelestis  intrat  gratia:  Celestial    grace    hath    found    its 

Venter  Puellee  bajulat  home; 

Secreta,  quae  non  noverat.  And    she,    as    earthly    bride    un- 

known, 
Yet  calls  that  Offspring  blest  her 
own. 

102 


CHRISTMASTIDE 


•Domus  pudici  pectoris 
Templura  repente  fit  Dei: 
Intacta  nesciens  virum, 
Concepit  alvo  Filium. 


'Enititur  puerpera, 
Quem  Gabriel  praedixerat, 
Quern  ventre  Matris  gestiens, 
Baptista  clausum  senserat. 


'Fceno  jacere  pertulit: 
Prsesepe  non  abhorruit: 
Et  lacte  modico  pastus  est, 
Per  quem  nee  ales  esurit. 


^  Gaudet  chorus  coelestium, 
Et  Angeli  canunt  Deo; 
Palamque  fit  pastoribus 
Pastor,  Creator  omnium. 


'Jesu,  tibi  sit  gloria, 
Qui  natus  es  de  Virgine, 
Cum  Patre,  et  almo  Spiritu, 
In  sempiterna  saecula. 


The  mansion  of  the  modest  breast 
Becomes  a  shrine  where  God  shall 

rest: 
The  pure  and  undefiled  one 
Conceived  in  her  womb  the  Son. 

That  Son,  that  Royal  Son  she  bore, 

Whom  Gabriel's  voice  had  told 
afore; 

Whom,  in  His  mother  yet  con- 
cealed, 

The  infant  Baptist  had  revealed. 

The  manger  and  the  straw  He  bore, 
The  cradle  did  He  not  abhor; 
By  milk  in  infant  portions  fed. 
Who  gives  e'en  fowls  their  daily 
bread. 

The   heavenly    chorus    filled   the 

sky. 
The  Angels  sang  to  God  on  high, 
What  time  to  shepherds,  watching 

lone, 
They   made    creation's    Shepherd 

known. 

All  honor,  laud,  and  glory  be, 
0  Jesu,  Virgin -born  to  Thee: 
All  glory,  as  is  ever  meet, 
To  Father  and  to  Paraclete, 


Author:  Sedulius,  5tli  cent.  Meter;  Iambic  dimeter. 
Translation  by  J.  M.  Neale.  There  are  eighteen  transla- 
tions, two  of  which  are  in  the  Annus  Sanctus.  Liturgical 
Use  :  Hymn  for  Lauds  on  Christmas  Day.  This  is  a  part 
(from  A  to  G)  of  an  alphabetical  hymn,  the  stanzas  of 
which  begin  with  successive  letters  of  the  alphabet.  This 
hymn  and  No.  46,  Crudelis  Herodes  Deum,  are  parts  of  the 
same  hymn.  Together  they  give  in  verse  a  devout  descrip- 
tion of  the  life  of  Christ. 

1.  ''From  the  beginning  of  the  rising  of  the  sun,  to  the 
uttermost  bounds  of  the  earth,  let  us  sing  Christ,  the  Lord, 
bom  of  the  Virgin  Mary."    Car  dine,  lit.,  a  hinge,  also  in 

103 


PROPEU  OF  THE  SEASON 

astron.  a  pole :  cardo  mundi,  cardo  coeli.    A  solis  ortu  usque 
ad  occasum  laudabile  nomen  Domini  (Ps.  112,  3). 

2.  ''The  Blessed  Creator  of  the  world  assumed  a  servile 
body,  that  by  flesh,  He  might  liberate  flesh,  lest  He  lose 
those  whom  He  had  created.''  Servile  corpus:  formam 
servi  accipiens  (Phil.  2,  7).  Ut  came  carnem  lihercms: 
That  by  His  incarnation  He  might  liberate  mankind  from 
the  power  of  the  devil. 

3.  ''A  heavenly  grace  enters  the  bosom  of  the  chaste 
Mother :  the  womb  of  a  virgin  bears  secrets,  which  she  had 
not  thought  of."  Gratia,  in  the  sense  of  the  "Author  of 
grace."  Seer  eta:  the  incarnate  Son  of  God.  Non  noverat: 
Mary  had  no  foreknowledge  of  the  mystery  that  was  to  be 
wrought  in  her  womb. 

4.  * '  The  mansion  of  her  modest  bosom  suddenly  becomes 
the  temple  of  God:  unsullied,  knowing  not  man,  she  con- 
ceived in  her  womb  a  Son."  Nesciens  virum,  (cf.  Luke  1, 
34-41). 

5.  ''The  Mother  brought  forth  Him  whom  Gabriel  had 
predicted,  whom  the  Baptist,  exulting  had  perceived, 
though  still  enclosed  in  the  womb  of  his  mother."  Puerpera, 
from  puer  and  par  ere.  Baptista  gestiens:  Et  factum  est, 
ut  audivit  salutationem  Marise  Elisabeth,  exultavit  infans 
in  utero  ejus:  et  repleta  est  Spiritu  sancto  Elisabeth  (Luke 
1,  41).  The  first  chapter  of  St.  Luke's  Gospel  is  very  beau- 
tiful. It  contains  two  sublime  canticles,  the  Magnificat 
(verses  46-55),  and  the  Benedictus  (verses  68-79). 

6.  "He  deigned  to  lie  on  hay,  nor  did  He  disdain  the 
crib :  and  He,  by  whose  providence  not  even  a  bird  suffers 
hunger,  is  fed  with  a  little  milk."  Prcesepe,  is,  manger, 
crib ;  this  word  occurs  in  several  forms ;  see  Glossary. 

7.  "The  choir  of  Saints  rejoices,  the  Angels  hymn  their 
God,  and  the  Shepherd,  the  Creator  of  all,  became  known 
to  the  shepherds."  For  the  Scriptural  references  in  this 
stanza,  read  Luke  2, 13-18. 


104 


40 


CHRISTMASTIDE 
Adeste,  fideles 


ADESTE,  fideles, 
Lseti  triumphantes ; 
Venite,  venite  in  Bethlehem; 
Natum  videte 
Regem  Angelorum: 
Venite  adoremus, 
Venite  adoremus, 
Venite  adoremus  Dominum. 

*      Deum  de  Deo, 

Lumen  de  lumine, 
Gestant  puellae  viscera: 

Deum  verum, 

Genitum,  non  factum: 
Venite  adoremus  Dominum. 


'      Cantet  nunc  lo! 

Chorus  angelorum: 
Cantet  nunc  aula  ccelestium, 

Gloria 

In  excelsis  Deo!  . 
Venite  adoremus  Dominum. 


COME,  all  ye  faithful. 
Joyful  and  triumphant, 
0  hasten,  0  hasten  to  Bethlehem; 
See  in  a  manger 
The  Monarch  of  Angels. 
O  come  let  us  worship 
Christ  the  Lord. 


God  of  God  eternal, 
Light  from  Light  proceeding, 
He  deigns  in  the  Virgin's  womb 
to  lie; 
Very  God  of  very  God, 
Begotten,  not  created. 
0  come,  etc. 

Sing  alleluia. 
All  ye  choirs  of  Angels; 
Sing,    all    ye    citizens    of   heaven 
above, 
Glory  to  God 
In  the  highest. 
0  come,  etc. 

Yea,  Lord,  we  greet  Thee, 
Born  this  happy  morning; 
To  Thee,  0  Jesus,  be  glory  given; 
True  Word  of  the  Father, 
In  our  flesh  appearing. 
0  come  let  us  worship 
Christ  the  Lord. 


•     Ergo  qui  natus 

Die  hodierna, 
Jesu  tibi  sit  gloria: 

Patris  aeterni 

Verbum  caro  factum! 

Venite  adoremus, 

Venite  adoremus, 
Venite  adoremus  Dominum. 

AuTHOK  unknown.  18th  cent.  Translation  by  Canon 
Oakeley.  There  are  forty  translations.  The  complete  hymn 
consists  of  eight  stanzas,  four  of  which  are  commonly  used 
at  Benediction  during  Christmastide.  There  are  four 
translations  of  this  hymn  in  Mr.  Shipley's  Annus  Sanctus; 
the  one  by  J.  C.  Earle  is  a  translation  of  the  complete 
hymn.  The  Adeste  Fideles  is  not  found  in  the  Breviary  or 
Missal.  It  is  a  beautiful  invitation  to  the  faithful  **to 
come  to  Bethlehem"  in  spirit,  and  worship  the  new-born 
Saviour. 

105 


PROPER  OF  THE  SEASON 

**With  the  exception  of  the  Dies  Irce  and  the  Stahat 
Mater,"  says  W.  J.  Grattan-Flood,  Mus.D.,  '4t  is  doubt- 
ful if  there  is  a  more  popular  hymn  in  our  churches  than 
the  Adeste  Fideles"  {The  Dolphin,  Dec,  1905).  The  above 
translation  is  literal.  In  1.  15,  lo  is  an  inter j.  expressing 
great  joy.  Line  17,  aula  coelestium,  the  court  of  the  blessed, 
the  heavenly  court. 


The  Holy  Innocents 


41 


Audit  tyr annus  anxius 


AUDIT  tyrannus  anxius 
Adesse  regum  Principem, 
Qui  nomen  Israel  regat, 
Teneatque  David  regiam. 


*Exclamat  amens  nuntio: 
Successor  instat,  pellimur: 
Satelles,  i,  ferrum  rape: 
Perfunde   cunas   sanguine. 


WITH  terror  doth  the  tyrant 
hear 
The  King  of  kings  hath  come  to 

dwell 
Where  David's  court  shall  widely 

rear 
A  sceptered  reign  o'er  Israel. 

Then    cries    out,    raging,    at    the 

word: 
"He  comes  to  stand  where  we  have 

stood : 
Hence,  soldier,  and  with  ruthless 

sword 
Deluge    the    cradles    deep    with 

blood!" 


Quid  proficit  tantum  nefas? 
Quid  crimen  Herodem  juvat? 
Unus  tot  inter  funera 
Impune  Christus  tollitur. 


*Jesu,  tibi  sit  gloria, 
Qui  natus  es  de  Virgine, 
Cum  Patre,  et  almo  Spiritu 
In  sempiterna  saecula. 


What  profiteth  a  crime  so  dread? 
What  hope  shall   Herod's  bosom 

sway? 
Alone  amidst  the  thronging  dead. 
The  Christ  is  safely  borne  away! 

All  glory  for  this  blessed  morn 
To  God  the  Father  ever  be; 
All  praise  to  Thee,  0  Virgin-bom, 
All  praise,  0  Holy  Ghost,  to  Thee. 


Author:  Prudentius  (348-413).  Meter:  Iambic  dimeter. 
Translation  by  Monsignor  Henry.  There  are  eleven  trans- 
lations.   Liturgical  Use  :  Hymn  for  Matins  on  the  Feast  of 

106 


THE  HOLY  INNOCENTS 

the  Holy  Innocents.  This  hymn  is  a  cento  from  the  twelfth 
and  last  poem  in  the  Cathemerinon  of  Prudentius,  and  in 
its  full  form  it  contains  208  lines.  First  line  of  complete 
hymn:  Quicumque  Christum  quceritis.  Four  beautiful 
centos  from  this  hymn  were  included  in  the  Breviary  by 
Pius  V  (1568).  One  of  these  centos  begins  with  the  first 
line  of  the  complete  hymn.  The  following  are  the  four 
centos,  their  composition,  and  their  liturgical  use : 

1.  Quicumque  Christum  quceritis  (11.  1-4;  37-44;  85-88). 
Transfiguration. 

2.  0  sola  magnarum  urhium  (11.  77-80;  5-8;  61-64;  69- 
72).    Epiphany. 

3.  Audit  tyrannus  anxius  (11.  93-100;  133-136).  Holy 
Innocents. 

4.  Salvete  flores  martyrum  (11.  125-132).  Holy  Inno- 
cents. 

There  is  an  article  in  the  Cath.  Encyl.,  treating  of  all  four 
hymns,  under  the  general  heading:  Quicumque  Christum 
quceritis. 

1.  ''The  anxious  tyrant  hears  that  the  King  of  kings  is 
come,  who  would  rule  the  people  of  Israel  and  possess  the 
royal  throne  of  David."  Tyrannus  anxius:  Audiens  autem 
Herodes  rex,  turbatus  est,  et  omnis  Jerosolyma  cum  illo 
(Matt.  2,  3).  Regum  Princeps:  Jesus  Christ — ^the  prince 
of  the  kings  of  the  earth  (Apoc.  1,  5).  Nomen  Israel  = 
populus  Israel.  Regiam  (sc.  sedem).  Et  dabit  illi  Dominus 
Deus  sedem  David  patris  ejus  (Luke  1,  32). 

2.  ''Kendered  frantic  by  the  message,  he  cries  out:  *A 
successor  is  at  hand,  we  are  driven  away:  go,  executioner, 
take  the  sword,  drench  the  cradles  with  blood ! '  "  Satelles, 
sing,  for  pi.,  attendants,  bodyguard,  soldiers.  For  the 
Scriptural  account  of  the  massacre  of  the  Holy  Innocents, 
see  Matt.  2,  16-18.  See  also  the  articles  on  Holy  Innocents 
and  Herod,  in  the  Cath.  Encycl. 

3.  "But  what  availeth  so  great  an  outrage?  What 
profiteth  Herod  this  crime?  Among  so  many  slain,  Christ 
alone  is  safely  borne  away. ' '  Unus  =  solus.  Funera,  lit., 
funerals ;  corpses,  also  death,  esp.  a  violent  death. 


107 


PROPER  OF  THE  SEASON 
42  Salvete  flores  Martyrum 

SALVETE  flores  Martyrum,  A  LL     hail,     ye     little     Martyr 

Quos  lucis  ipso  in  limine         -^^       flowers, 
Christi  insecutor  sustulit,  Sweet    rosebuds    cut    in    dawning 

Ceu  turbo  nascentes  rosas.  hours! 

When  Herod  sought  the  Christ  to 

find 
Ye  fell  as  bloom  before  the  wind. 

^Vos  prima  Christi  victima.  First  victims  of  the  Martyr  bands, 

Grex  immolatorum  tener.  With  crowns  and  palms  in  tender 

Aram  sub  ipsam  simplices  hands, 

Palma  et  coronis  luditis.  Around  the  very  altar,  gay 

And  innocent,  ye  seem  to  play. 

^Jesu,  tibi  sit  gloria.  All  honor,  laud,  and  glory  be, 

Qui  natus  es  de  Virgine,  O  Jesu,  Virgin-bom  to  Thee; 

Cmn  Patre  et  almo  Spiritu,  All  glory,  as  is  ever  meet 

In  sempiterna  saecula.  To  Father  and  to  Paraclete. 


Authoe:  Prudentius  (348-413).  Meter:  Iambic  dimeter. 
Translation  by  Athelstan  Riley.  There  are  about  twenty- 
five  translations.  Liturgical  Use  :  Hymn  for  Lauds  on  the 
Feast  of  the  Holy  Innocents,  This  hymn  is  a  cento  from 
the  Cathemerinon.    See  the  Notes  on  the  preceding  hymn. 

1.  *'Hail,  flowers  of  the  martyrs,  whom  on  the  very 
threshold  of  life,  the  persecutor  of  Christ  snatched  away 
even  as  the  whirlwind,  the  budding  roses."  Lucis,  lit., 
light ;  fig.,  life ;  or  in  a  mystical  sense,  Christ. 

2.  *'As  the  first  sacrifice  for  Christ,  a  tender  flock  of 
victims,  with  sweet  simplicity,  ye  play  with  your  palms 
and  crowns  at  the  very  altar  side."  Aram  sub  ipsam: 
The  Original  Text  has  a7ite  for  sub.  Vidi  subtus  aitare 
animas  interfectorum  propter  verbum  Dei  (Apoc.  6,  9). 
This  stanza  has  been  greatly  admired.  It  presents  a  pic- 
ture of  great  beauty.  The  following  is  Father  Caswall's 
translation  of  this  hymn,  of  which  Monsignor  Henry  says : 
"Not  to  speak  of  the  beauty  and  fidelity  of  the  rendering, 
the  trochaic  rhythm  vividly  conveys  the  sense  of  the  sud- 
denness of  the  onslaught,  the  ruthlessness  and  swiftness  of 
the  destruction."     {Cath.  Encycl.  Vol.  XII,  p.  607). 

108 


THE  HOLY  NAME 


42B 

FLOWERS  of  martyrdom  all 
hail! 
Smitten  by  the  tyrant  foe 
On  life's  threshold, — as  the 

gale 
Strews  the  roses  ere  they 'blow. 


First  to  bleed   for  Christ,  sweet 

lambs! 
What  a  simple  death  ye  died! 
Sporting  with  your   wreaths  and 

palms 
At  the  very  altar  side! 


43 


Honor,  glory,  virtue,  merit. 
Be  to  Thee,  0  Virgin's  Son! 
With  the  Father,  and  the  Spirit, 
While  eternal  ages  run. 

The  Holy  Name  of  Jesus 

VESPERS 

Jesti  dulcis  memoria 


JESU  dulcis  memoria, 
Dans  vera  cordis  gaudia: 
Sed  super  mel,  et  omnia, 
Ejus  dulcis  praesentia. 

^Nil  canitur  suavius, 
Nil  auditur  jucundius. 
Nil  cogitatur  dulcius, 
Quam  Jesus  Dei  Filius. 


'Jesu  spes  poenitentibus, 
Quam  pius  es  petentibus! 
Quam  bonus  te  quaerentibus ! 
Sed  quid  invenientibus? 


*Nec  lingua  valet  dicere, 
Nee  littera  exprimere: 
Expertus  potest  credere. 
Quid  sit  Jesum  diligere. 

"Sis  Jesu  nostrum  gaudium. 
Qui  es  futurus  praemium: 
Sit  nostra  in  te  gloria, 
Per  cuncta  semper  saecula. 


JESU,  the  very  thought  of  Thee 
With  sweetness  fills  my  breast; 
But  sweeter  far  Thy  face  to  see, 
And  in  Thy  presence  rest. 

Nor  voice  can  sing,  nor  heart  can 

frame. 
Nor  can  the  memory  find, 
A  sweeter  sound  than  Thy  blest 

Name, 
0  Saviour  of  mankind! 

O  Hope  of  every  contrite  heart, 

O  Joy  of  all  the  meek, 

To  those  who  fall,  how  kind 

Thou  art! 
How  good  to  those  who  seek! 

But  what  to  those  who  find?    Ah! 

this 
Nor  tongue  nor  pen  can  show: 
The  love  of  Jesus,  what  it  is 
None  but  His  loved  ones  know. 

Jesu,  our  only  joy  be  Thou, 
As  Thou  our  prize  wilt  be; 
Jesu,  be  Thou  our  glory  now. 
And  through  eternity. 


109 


PROPER  OF  THE  SEASON 

Author:  St.  Bernard  (1091-1153).  Meter:  Iambic 
dimeter.  Translation  by  Father  Caswall.  Liturgical 
Use:  This  and  the  two  following  centos  are  used  on  the 
Feast  of  the  Holy  Name,  which  is  celebrated  on  the  Sun- 
day between  the  Circumcision  and  the  Epiphany,  or  failing 
such  a  Sunday,  on  January  2d. 

The  complete  hymn  as  found  in  the  Benedictine  edition 
of  the  Opera  of  St.  Bernard  contains  forty-eight  stanzas. 
There  are  six  translations  of  the  complete  hymn.  Many 
centos  from  the  hymn,  including  the  three  given  here  for 
Vespers,  Matins,  and  Lauds,  have  been  translated  more 
frequently.  There  are  two  translations  of  these  three 
centos  in  Mr.  Shipley's  Annus  Sanctus. 

The  Jesu  dulcis  memoria  is  a  hymn  of  surpassing  sweet- 
ness, and  it  has  been  universally  accorded  a  place  among 
the  greatest  hymns  of  the  Church.  According  to  Mr. 
James  Mearns,  the  assistant  editor  of  Julian's  Dictionary 
of  Hymnology,  this  hymn  is  "The  finest  and  most  charac- 
teristic specimen  of  St.  Bernard's  'subjective  loveliness' 
and  its  honied  sweetness  vindicates  his  title  of  *  Doctor 
Melifluus.'  "  Father  Caswall's  much  admired  translation 
preserves  much  of  the  "honied  sweetness"  of  the  original. 

The  ascription  of  this  hymn  to  St.  Bernard  has  been 
called  in  question.  Dom  Pothier  has  discovered  a  copy  of 
it  in  manuscripts  of  about  the  year  1070,  in  which  it  is 
ascribed  to  a  Benedictine  abbess.  Father  Blume,  S.J.,  in 
the  article  on  Hymnody  in  the  Cath.  Encycl.  pronounces 
against  its  ascription  to  St.  Bernard.  On  the  other  hand 
Mr.  James  Mearns  says:  "This  hymn  has  been  generally 
(and  there  seems  little  reason  to  doubt  correctly)  ascribed 
to  St.  Bernard."  {Diet,  of  Hymnal.)  There  is  an  article  on 
this  hymn  in  the  Index  Vol.  of  the  Cath.  Encycl. 

1.  "Jesus!  how  sweet  is  the  very  thought!  giving  true 
joys  of  heart;  but  surpassing  honey  and  all  sweetness  is 
His  sweet  presence."  Supply  est  in  lines  1  and  4.  The 
Holy  Name  has  Jesu  m  all  the  cases  except  the  nom.  and 
ace. 

2.  "Nothing  more  sweet  can  be  sung,  nothing  more 
pleasant  can  be  heard,  nothing  more  lovely  can  be  thought 
of,  than  Jesus,  the  Son  of  God." 

110 


THE  HOLY  NAME 

3.  *'0  Jesus,  the  hope  of  penitents,  how  kind  art  Thou 
to  those  who  pray!  How  good  to  those  who  seek  Thee! 
But  what  to  those  who  find!"  This  question  is  answered 
in  the  following  stanza. 

4.  ''No  tongue  can  tell,  nor  can  written  word  express  it: 
only  one  who  knows  from  experience  can  say  what  it  means 
to  love  Jesus." 

5.  "Mayest  Thou,  0  Jesus,  be  our  joy,  as  Thou  wilt  be 
our  reward :  in  Thee  be  our  glory  forever. ' ' 


MATINS 


44 


Jesu  Rex  admirabilis 


JESU  Rex  admirabilis, 
Et  triumphator  nobilis, 
Dulcedo  ineffabilis, 
Totus  desiderabilis. 

•Quando  cor  nostrum  visitas, 
Tunc  lucet  ei  Veritas, 
Mundi  vilescit  vanitas, 
Et  intus  fervet  caritas. 

'Jesu  dulcedo  cordium, 
Fons  vivus,  lumen  mentium, 
Excedens  omne  gaudium, 
Et  omne  desiderium. 


OJESU,  King  most  wonderful 
Thou  conqueror  renowned, 
Thou  sweetness  most  ineffable, 
In  whom  all  joys  are  found! 

When  once  Thou  visitest  the  heart, 
Then  truth  begins  to  shine; 
Then  earthly  vanities  depart; 
Then  kindles  love  divine. 

O  Jesu,  light  of  all  below. 
Thou  fount  of  life  and  fire, 
Surpassing  all  the  joys  we  know, 
And  all  we  can  desire: 


*Jesum  omnes  agnoscite, 
Amorem  ejus  poscite: 
Jesum  ardenter  quaerite, 
Quaerendo  inardescite. 


May    every    heart    confess    Thy 

Name, 
And  ever  Thee  adore; 
And,  seeking  Thee,  itself  inflame 
To  seek  Thee  more  and  more. 


'Te  nostra  Jesu  vox  sonet,  Thee    may    our    tongues    forever 

Nostri  te  mores  exprimant,  bless; 

Te  corda  nostra  diligant.  Thee  may  we  love  alone; 

Et  nunc,  et  in  perpetmmi.  And  ever  in  our  lives  express 

The  image  of  Thine  own. 

AuTHOESHip,  Translation,  etc.,  as  in  the  preceding  hymn. 

1.  "  0  Jesus,  admirable  king  and  noble  conqueror,  sweet- 
ness ineffable,  wholly  to  be  desired."  Totus,  wholly,  alto- 
gether, above  all  else. 

Ill 


PROPER  OF  THE  SEASON 

2.  "When  Thou  dost  visit  our  heart,  then  truth  illum- 
inates it;  the  vanity  of  the  world  becomes  contemptible, 
and  charity  glows  within. ' ' 

3.  '*0  Jesus,  sweetness  of  hearts,  living  fountain,  light 
of  intellects.  Thou  dost  surpass  all  joys  and  all  desires." 

4.  **Let  all  confess  Jesus,  let  all  earnestly  ask  for  His 
love;  let  all  zealously  seek  Jesus,  and  in  seeking  Him  be- 
come enkindled." 

5.  ''Thee,  0  Jesus,  may  our  voices  praise;  may  the 
whole  course  of  our  lives  (mores)  give  testimony  of  Thee; 
may  our  hearts  love  Thee  now  and  forever. ' ' 

LAUDS 


45 


Jesu  decus  angelicum 


JESU  decus  angelicum, 
In  aura  dulce  canticum, 
In  ore  mel  mirificum, 
In  corde  nectar  coelicum. 

'Qui  te  gustant,  esuriunt; 
Qui  bibunt,  adhuc  sitiunt; 
Desiderare  nesciunt, 
Nisi  Jesum,  quem  diligunt. 

'0  Jesu  mi  dulcissime, 
Spes  suspirantis  animae! 
Te  quaerunt  pise  lacrimse, 
Te  clamor  mentis  intimae. 

*Mane  nobiscum  Domine, 
Et  nos  illustra  lumine; 
Pulsa  mentis  caligine, 
Mundum  reple  dulcedine. 


JESU,  Thou  the  Beauty  art 
Of  Angel-worlds  above; 

Thy  name  is  music  to  the  heart, 

Enchanting  it  with  love. 

Celestial  Sweetness  unalloyed! 
Who  eat  Thee  hunger  still; 
Who  drink  of  Thee  still  feel  a  void, 
Which  naught  but  Thou  can  fill. 

0  my  sweet  Jesu!  hear  the  sighs 
Which  unto  Thee  I  send; 
To  Thee  mine  inmost  spirit  cries 
My  being's  hope  and  end! 

Stay  with  us,  Lord,  and  with  Thy 

light 
Illume  the  soul's  abyss; 
Scatter  the  darkness  of  our  night, 
And  fill  the  world  with  bliss. 


■^Jesu  flos  Matris  Virginis, 
Amor  nostras  dulcedinis, 
Tibi  laus,  honor  nominis, 
Regnum  beatitudinis. 

Authorship,    Translation, 
hymns. 


O  Jesu,  spotless  Virgin-flower, 
Our  life  and  joy;  to  Thee 
Be  praise,  beatitude,  and  power. 
Through  all  eternity. 

etc.,    as    in    the    preceding 


112 


THE  EPIPHANY 


1.  "0  Jesus,  glory  of  the  Angels,  Thou  art  a  sweet 
canticle  to  the  ear,  wondrous  honey  to  the  mouth,  heavenly 
nectar  to  the  heart." 

2.  ** Those  who  taste  of  Thee  still  hunger;  those  who 
drink  of  Thee  still  thirst;  they  know  not  to  desire  ought 
else  but  Jesus  whom  they  love."  Ego  sum  panis  vitae: 
qui  venit  ad  me,  non  esuriet :  et  qui  credit  in  me,  non  sitiet 
unquam  (John  6,  35). 

3.  **0  my  most  sweet  Jesus,  the  hope  of  my  sighing  soul; 
loving  tears  and  the  cry  of  my  inmost  heart  seek  after 
Thee." 

4.  ''Stay  with  us,  0  Lord,  and  illuminate  us  with  Thy 
light;  the  darkness  of  the  mind  having  been  dispelled,  fill 
the  world  with  Thy  sweetness. ' ' 

5.  ''0  Jesus,  flower  of  the  Virgin-Mother,  love  of  our 
sweetness,  to  Thee  be  praise,  honor  of  name,  kingdom  of 
blessedness." 


46 


The  Epiphany 
Crudelis  Herodes,  Deum 


CRUDELIS  Herodes,  Deum 
Regem  venire  quid  times? 
Non  eripit  mortalia, 
Qui  regna  dat  ccelestia. 


^  Ibant  Magi,  quam  viderant, 
Stellam  sequentes  praeviam: 
Lumen  requirunt  lumine: 
Deum  fatentur  munere. 


WHY   impious   Herod,    vainly 
fear 
That   Christ  the   Saviour   cometh 

here? 
He  takes  no  earthly  realms  away 
Who   gives  the   crown   that   lasta 
for  aye. 

To  greet  His  birth  the  Wise  Men 

went, 
Led  by  the  star  before  them  sent; 
Called  on  by  light,  towards  Light 

they  pressed, 
And    by    their    gifts    their    God 

confessed. 


'Lavacra  puri  gurgitis 
Coelestis  Agnus  attigit: 
Peccata,  quae  non  detulit, 
Nos  abluendo  sustulit. 


In  holy  Jordan's  purest  wave 
The  heavenly  Lamb  vouchsafed  to 

lave; 
That  He,  to   whom  was   sin   im- 

known. 
Might  cleanse   His   people   from 

their  own. 


113 


PROPER  OF  THE  SEASON 

*  Novum  genus  potentiae:  New  miracle  of  power  divine! 

Aquae  rubescunt  hydriae,  The  water  reddens  into  wine: 

Vinumque  jussa  fundere.  He  spake  the  word:  and  poured 

Mutavit  imda  originem.  the  wave 

In  other  streams  than  nature  gave. 

'Jesu,  tibi  sit  gloria,  All  glory,  Lord,  to  Thee  we  pay 

Qui  apparuisti  Gentibus,  For  Thine  Epiphany  to-day: 

Cimi  Patre,  et  almo  Spiritu,  All  glory,  as  is  ever  meet, 

In  sempiterna  saecula.  To  Father  and  to  Paraclete. 

Authoe:  Sedulius,  5th  cent.  Meter:  Iambic  dimeter. 
Translation  by  J.  M.  Neale.  There  are  about  twenty-five 
translations,  eight  of  which,  including  both  texts,  are  in 
the  Annus  Sanctus.  Liturgical  Use  :  Vespers  hymn  on  the 
Feast  of  the  Epiphany.  First  line  of  Original  Text: 
Hostis  Herodes  impie.  The  texts  differ  only  in  the  first 
two  lines.    In  the  Original  Text  these  lines  read; 

Hostis  Herodes  impie 
Christimi  venire  quid  times? 

This  hymn  is  a  continuation  of  No.  39,  A  solis  ortus  cardine. 
The  word  Epiphany  signifies  appearance  or  manifestation. 
This  manifestation  was  threefold:  To  the  Gentiles  in  the 
persons  of  the  Magi  (Matt.  2,  1-12) ;  to  the  Jews  at  the 
Baptism  of  Christ  in  the  Jordan  (Mark  1,  9-11) ;  to  the 
Apostles  when  Christ  wrought  His  first  miracle  at  the  mar- 
riage feast  at  Cana  (John  2,  1-11).  In  the  hymn,  it  will 
be  observed  that  a  stanza  is  devoted  to  each  of  the  three 
manifestations. 

Read  the  articles  on  Epiphcmy,  Herod,  Magi  and  Cana, 
in  the  Cath.  Encycl. 

1.  "Cruel  Herod,  why  dost  thou  fear  the  coming  of  the 
Divine  King?  He  taketh  not  away  earthly  kingdoms,  who 
bestoweth  heavenly  ones."  Regnum  meum  non  est  de  hoc 
mundo  (John  18,  36). 

2.  "The  Magi  proceeded,  following  the  star,  which  they 
saw  leading  the  way:  by  the  aid  of  light,  they  seek  the 
Light:  by  their  gifts  they  acknowledge  Him  to  be  God." 
In  the  East  it  was  customary  when  visiting  kings  or  princes 
to  offer  them  appropriate  gifts.    The  gifts  offered  by  the 

114 


THE  EPIPHANY 

Magi  were  expressive  of  their  belief  in  Christ's  royal  gen- 
eration, in  His  divine  nature,  and  in  His  human  nature. 
Gold,  the  noblest  of  the  metals,  hence  a  gift  suitable  for  a 
king,  was  symbolical  of  His  royal  generation:  frankin- 
cense is  a  symbol  of  prayer,  and  was  therefore,  an  ac- 
knowledgment of  His  Divinity;  and  myrrh,  which  is  used 
in  embalming,  was  expressive  of  His  mortality  as  man. 

3.  ''The  Heavenly  Lamb  touched  the  cleansing  bath  of 
the  limpid  waters:  by  washing  us,  He  took  away  (sustulit) 
sins  which  He  Himself  had  not  committed  {detulit).''^  Ecce 
affnus  Dei,  ecce  qui  tollit  peccatum  mundi  (John  1,  29). 
''It  is  the  teaching  of  St.  Thomas  that  the  Baptism  of 
Christ  was  the  occasion  when  He  gave  to  Christian  Baptism 
its  power  of  conferring  grace;  but  that  the  necessity  of 
this  Sacrament  was  not  intimated  to  men  till  after  the 
Eesurrection"  (Father  Hunter's  Outlines  of  Dogmatic 
Theology,  Vol.  II,  p.  532). 

4.  "A  new  manifestation  of  power:  the  water  of  the  jars 
becomes  red,  and  the  water  which  was  bidden  to  issue  forth 
as  wine,  changed  its  nature."  Hydrice  is  the  subject,  and 
aqucB  the  genitive  of  contents.  Constr. :  Et  unda  (quae) 
jussa  (est)  vinum  fundere,  mutavit  originem.  The  follow- 
ing is  the  Catholic  poet  Crashaw's  beautiful  epigram  on  the 
miracle  at  Cana; 

Lympha  pudica  Deum  vidit  et  erubuit. 
The  modest  water  saw  its  God  and  blushed. 


47  O  sola  magnarum  urbium 

OSDLA  magnarum  urbium         T>ETHLEHEM,  of  noblest  cities 
Major  Bethlem,  cui  contigit     ^  None    can    once    with    thee 
Ducem  salutis  coelitus  compare; 

Incorporatum  gignere.  Thou  alone  the  Lord  from  heaven 

Didst  for  us  incarnate  bear. 

^  Quern  Stella,  quas  solis  rotam          Fairer  than  the  sun  at  morning 
Vincit  decore,  ac  lumine;  Was  the  star  that  told  His  birth; 

Venisse  terris  nuntiat  To  the  lands  their  God  announc- 

Cum  came  terrestri  Deum.  ing, 

Hid  beneath  a  form  of  earth. 
115 


PROPER  OF  THE  SEASON 


^Videre  postquam  ilium  Magi, 
Eoa  promunt  munera: 
Stratique  votis   offerunt 
Thus,  rayrrham,  et  aurum  regium. 

*  Regem   Deumque   annuntiant 
Thesaurus,  et  fragrans  odor 
Thuris  Sabaei,  ac  myrrheus 
Pulvis  sepulchrum  praedocet. 

^Jesu,  tibi  sit  gloria, 
Qui  apparuisti  Gentibus, 
Cum  Patre,  et  almo  Spiritu 
In  sempiterna  ssecula. 


By  its  lambent  beauty  guided, 
See,  the  eastern  kings  appear; 
See  them  bend,  their  gifts  to  offer. 
Gifts  of  incense,  gold,  and  myrrh. 

Solemn  things  of  mystic  meaning: 
Incense  doth  the  God  disclose; 
Gold  a  royal  child  proclaimeth; 
Myrrh  a  future  tomb  foreshows. 

Holy  Jesu,  in  Thy  brightness 
To  the  Gentile  world  displayed, 
With  the  Father  and  the  Spirit, 
Endless  praise  to  Thee  be  paid. 


Author:  Prudentius  (348-413).  Meter:  Iambic  dimeter. 
Translation  by  Father  Caswall.  There  are  twenty-two 
translations.  Father  CaswalPs  translation  is  lofty,  digni- 
fied, and  musical ;  it  is  more  extensively  used  than  all  others 
combined.  Liturgical  Use  :  Hymn  for  Lauds  on  the  Feast 
of  the  Epiphany.  This  hymn  is  a  cento  from  the  Quicumque 
Christum  quceritis.  See  hymn  41.  Read  the  articles  on 
Bethlehem,  Saba,  Magi,  and  Epiphany,  in  the  Cath.  Encycl. 

1.  **0  highly  favored  Bethlehem,  greater  than  the  great 
cities,  to  whom  it  was  given  to  bring  forth  from  heaven 
the  Prince  of  salvation,  in  human  form."  Sola,  unique, 
singularly  honored.  Magnarum  urbium  =  magnis  urbibus 
(abl.),  a  Graecism.  This  construction  is  more  common 
with  pronouns  than  with  nouns  (cf.  Kaulen's  Handbuch 
zur  Vulgata,  pp.  258-260). 

2.  *'And  a  star  which  surpassed  the  disk  of  the  sun  in 
beauty  and  in  splendor,  announces  to  the  nations  that  God 
has  come  clothed  in  earthly  flesh. ' '    Quern  =  et. 

3.  *'As  soon  as  the  Magi  behold  Him,  they  bring  forth 
their  Eastern  gifts;  and  prostrate,  together  with  their 
prayers,  they  offer  incense,  myrrh,  and  royal  gold." 
Videre  =  viderunt.  Et  procidentes  adoraverunt  eum;  et 
apertis  thesauris  suis  obtulerunt  ei  munera,  aurum,  thus, 
et  myrrham  (Matt.  2,  11). 

4.  **The  gold  and  the  fragrant  odor  of  Sabean  incense 
proclaim  Him  King  and  God,  and  the  dust  of  myrrh  fore- 
shadows the  tomb."    Sabceus,  adj.,  from  Saba,  the  chief 

116 


LENT 

city  of  Arabia  Felix,  celebrated  for  its  myrrh  and  frank- 
incense. Myrrheus,  adj.,  of  myrrh,  perfumed  with  myrrh. 
Reges  Tharsis  et  insulae  munera  efferent;  reges  Arabum 
et  Saba  dona  adducent  (Ps.  71,  10). 


LENT 


48 


Audi  benigne  Conditor 


A  UDI  benigne  Conditor 
■^*-  Nostras  pieces  cHm  fletibus, 
In  hoc  sacro  jejunio 
Fusas  quadragenario. 


*  Scrutator  alme  cordium, 
Infirma  tu  scis  virium: 
Ad  te  reversis  exhibe 
Remissionis  gratiam. 


^Multum  quidem  peccavimus, 
Sed  parce  confitentibus : 
Ad  nominis  laudem  tui 
Confer  medelam  languidis. 

*  Concede  nostrum  conteri 
Corpus  per  abstinentiam ; 
Culpae  ut  relinquant  pabulum 
Jejuna  corda  criminum. 


f~\  KIND  Creator,  bow  Thine  ear 
^^  To  mark  the  cry,  to  know  the 

tear 
Before  Thy  throne  of  mercy  spent 
In  this  Thy  holy  fast  of  Lent. 

Our    hearts    are    open,    Lord,    to 

Thee  : 
Thou  knowest  our  infirmity; 
Pour  out  on  all  who  seek  Thy  face 
Abundance     of     Thy     pardoning 

grace. 

Our  sins  are  many,  this  we  know; 
Spare  us,  good  Lord,  Thy  mercy 

show; 
And  for  the  honor  of  Thy  name 
Our  fainting  souls  to  life  reclaim. 

Give     us     the     self-control     that 

springs 
From      discipline      of      outward 

things. 
That  fasting  inward  secretly 
The  soul  may  purely  dwell  with 

Thee, 


"Praesta  beata  Trinitas, 
Concede  simplex  Unitas; 
Ut  fructuosa  sint  tuis 
Jejuniorum  munera. 


We  pray  Thee,  Holy  Trinity, 
One  God,  unchanging  Unity, 
That  we  from  this  our  abstinence 
May  reap  the  fruits  of  penitence. 


Author:  Pope  St.  Gregory  the  Great  (540-604).    Meter: 
Iambic  dimeter.    Translation  by  T.  A.  Lacey.    There  are 

117 


PROPER  OF  THE  SEASON 

twenty-two  translations,  eight  of  which  are  in  the  Annus 
Sanctus.  Liturgical.  Use:  Vespers  hymn  on  Sundays  and 
week-days  during  Lent.  Read  the  article  on  Lent,  in  the 
Cath.  Encycl. 

1.  ''Hear,  0  loving  Creator,  our  prayers  poured  forth 
with  our  tears,  in  this  sacred  forty-day  fast."  Constr. : 
Audi  preces  cum  fletibus  fusas  in  hoc,  etc. 

2.  ''Loving  searcher  of  hearts.  Thou  knowest  the  weak- 
ness of  our  strength:  grant  us  who  have  turned  again  to 
Thee,  the  grace  of  pardon."  In  fir  ma  (orum)  virium  = 
infirmas  vires. 

3.  "Much,  indeed,  have  we  sinned,  but  spare  us  confess- 
ing our  misdeeds:  for  the  glory  of  Thy  Name,  grant  a 
remedy  to  the  weak." 

4.  "Grant  that  through  abstinence  our  bodies  may  be 
brought  into  subjection,  so  that  our  hearts  being  free  from 
sin  may  abandon  the  food  of  sin."  Jejuna,  lit.,  fasting, 
not  partaking  of  food;  it  is  here  followed  by  the  genitive 
criminum. 

5.  "Grant,  0  blessed  Trinity  and  simple  Unity,  that  the 
rewards  of  fasting  may  be  profitable  to  Thy  servants.'^ 

49  Ex  more  docti  mystic o 

EX  more  docti  mystico  'T^HE  fast,  as  taught  by  holy  lore, 

Servemus  hoc  jejunium,  •■-    We    keep    in    solemn    course 

Deno  dierum   circulo  once  more: 

Ducto  quater  notissimo.  The  fast  to  all  men  known,  and 

bound 
In  forty  days  of  yearly  round. 

^Lex  et  prophetae  primitus  The  law  and  seers  that  were  of 

Hoc  praetulerunt,  postmodum  old 

Christus  sacravit,  omnium  In  divers  ways  this  Lent  foretold, 

Rex  atque  factor  temporum.  Which   Christ,   all   seasons'   King 

and  Guide, 
In  after  ages  sanctified. 

^Utamur  ergo  parcius  More    sparing    therefore    let    us 

Verbis,  cibis  et  potibus,  make 

The  words  we  speak,  the  food  we 
take, 

118 


LENT 


Somno,  jocis,  et  arctius 
Perstemus  in  custodia. 


*Vitemus  autem  noxia, 
Quae  subruunt  mentes  vagas: 
Nullumque  demus  callidi 
Hostis  locum  tyrannidi. 

'Flectamus  iram  vindicem, 
Ploremus  ante  judicem, 
Clamemus  ore  supplici, 
Dicamus  omnes  cernui: 

^Nostris  malis  offendimus 
Tuam  Deus  clementiam : 
EfTunde  nobis  desuper, 
Remissor,  indulgentiam. 

^Memento  quod  sumus  tui, 
Licet  caduci,  plasmatis: 
Ne  des  honorem  nominis 
Tui,  precamur,  alteri. 


^Laxa  malum  quod  fecimus, 
Auge  bonum  quod  poscimus: 
Placere  quo  tandem  tibi 
Possimus  hie,  et  perpetim. 


'Praesta  beata  Trinitas, 
Concede  simplex  Unitas, 
Ut  fructuosa  sint  tuis 
Jejuniorum  munera. 


Our  sleep  and  mirth, — and  closer 

barred 
Be  every  sense  in  holy  guard. 

Avoid  the  evil  thoughts  that  roll 
Like  waters  o'er  the  heedless  soul; 
Nor  let  the  foe  occasion  find 
Our  souls  in  slavery  to  bind. 

In  prayer  together  let  us  fall, 
And  cry  for  mercy,  one  and  all. 
And  weep  before  the  Judge's  feet, 
And  His  avenging  wrath  entreat. 

Thy  grace  have  we  offended  sore, 
By  sins,  0  God,  which  we  deplore; 
But  pour  upon  us  from  on  high, 
O  pardoning  One,  Thy  clemency. 

Remember  Thou,  though  frail  we 

be. 
That  yet  Thine  handiwork  are  we; 
Nor  let  the  honor  of  Thy  Name 
Be  by  another  put  to  shame. 

Forgive    the    sin    that    we    have 

wrought ; 
Increase   the   good   that  we   have 

sought : 
That  we  at  length,  our  wanderings 

o'er. 
May      please      Thee      here      and 

evermore. 

Grant,  0  Thou  Blessed  Trinity, 
Grant,  0  Essential  Unity, 
That  this  our  fast  of  forty  days 
May    work    our    profit    and    Thy 
praise. 


Author:  Ascribed  to  Pope  St.  Gregory  the  Great  (540- 
604) .  Meter  :  Iambic  dimeter.  Translation  by  J.  M.  Neale. 
There  are  twelve  translations.  Liturgical  Use:  Matins 
hymn  on  Sundays  and  week-days  during  Lent. 

1.  ' '  Taught  by  mystic  use,  let  us  observe  this  fast,  which 
is  completed  in  the  well  known  tenfold  round  of  days  taken 

119 


PROPER  OF  THE  SEASON 

four  times."  More  my stico,  sacred  tradition.  The  Lenten 
fast  is  of  very  ancient,  if  not  of  apostolic  origin.  A  similar 
fast  was  observed  by  the  prophets  Moses  (Ex.  34,  28)  and 
Elias  (III  Kings  19,  7-8).  Deno,  see  denus  in  the  Glossary. 
Some  texts  have  denum  (=  denorum).  The  following  is 
Neale's  translation  of  this  stanza  rewritten  in  Hymns 
Ancient  and  Modern: 

By  precepts  taught  of  ages  past. 
Now  let  us  keep  again  the  fast 
Which,  year  by  year,  in   order  meet 
Of  forty  days  is  made  complete. 

2.  ''The  law  and  the  prophets  first  revealed  this;  after- 
wards Christ,  the  king  and  maker  of  all  seasons,  sanctified 
it."  ifoc,  sc.  jejunium,  the  Lenten  fast.  Lex  et  prophetcs: 
By  the  law  is  meant  the  Mosaic  Law,  the  Pentateuch;  by 
the  prophets,  the  later  books  of  the  Old  Testament.  Lex 
et  prophetae  usque  ad  Joannem  (Luke  16,  16). 

3.  ''Let  us,  therefore,  use  more  sparingly  words,  food, 
and  drink,  sleep  and  jests,  and  let  us  remain  severely  stead- 
fast on  our  guard." 

4.  "Moreover,  let  us  avoid  those  hurtful  things  which 
subvert  fickle  souls;  and  let  us  give  no  occasion  for  the 
tyranny  of  the  cunning  foe. ' ' 

5-6.  "May  we,  weeping  before  the  Judge,  soften  His 
avenging  wrath ;  let  us  cry  aloud  with  suppliant  voices,  and 
prostrate  let  us  all  say:  'By  our  sins,  0  God,  we  have 
offended  Thy  goodness;  pour  out  upon  us  from  on  high, 
0  f orgiver  of  sins,  Thy  mercy. '  ' ' 

7.  "Remember  that  we  are  Thy  creatures  {tui  plasmatis) 
though  frail;  we  beseech  Thee  that  Thou  give  not  to  an- 
other the  honor  of  Thy  Name."  Plasmatis,  the  genitive 
denoting  possession  with  esse;  of  Thy  making,  creation. 
Alteri,  to  Satan,  the  enemy  of  the  human  race. 

8.  "Pardon  the  evil  we  have  done;  increase  the  good  for 
which  we  pray,  that  we  may  at  length  be  able  to  please 
Thee  here  and  in  eternity." 


120 


50 


LENT 
O  Sol  salutis,  intimis 


OSOL  salutis,  intimis 
Jesu  refulge  mentibus, 
Dum  nocte  pulsa  gratior 
Orbi  dies  renascitur. 


^Dans  tempus  acceptabile, 
Da,  lacrimarum  rivulis 
Lavare  cordis  victimam, 
Quam  laeta  adurat  caritas. 


^Quo  fonte  manavit  nefas, 
Fluent  perennes  lacrimae, 
Si  virga  poenitentise 
Cordis  rigorem  conterat. 


*Dies  venit,  dies  tua, 
In  qua  reflorent  omnia: 
Laetemur  et  nos  in  viam 
Tua  reducti  dextera. 


'  Te  prona  mundi  machina 
Clemens  adoret  Trinitas, 
Et  nos  novi  per  gratiam 
Novum  canamus  canticum. 


JESU,  salvation's  Sun  Divine, 
Within     our     inmost     bosoms 
shine, 
With  light  all  darkness  drive  away 
And  give  the  world  a  better  day. 


Now 


with 


mercy 


days   of   grace 

flow, 

O  Lord,  the  gift  of  tears  bestow. 
To  wash  our  stains  in  every  part, 
Whilst  heavenly  fire  consumes  the 

heart. 

Rise,  crystal  tears,  from  that  same 

source 
From  whence  our  sins  derive  their 

course; 
Nor    cease,    till    hardened    hearts 

relent, 
And    softened    by   your    streams, 

repent. 

Behold,  the  happy  days  return. 
The   days    of   joy   for  them  that 

mourn ; 
May  we  of  their  indulgence  share. 
And  bless  the  God  that  grants  our 

prayer. 

May    heaven     and    earth     aloud 

proclaim 
The  Trinity's  almighty  fame; 
And  we,  restored  to  grace,  rejoice 
In    newness    both    of    heart    and 

voice. 


Author:  Ambrosian,  6tli  cent.  Meter:  Iambic  dimeter. 
Translation  from  the  Primer  of  1706,  probably  by  John 
Dryden;  first  three  lines  altered.  There  are  twelve  trans- 
lations. First  line  of  Original  Text:  Jam  Christe  sol 
justiticB.  Liturgical  Use:  Hymn  for  Lauds  on  Sundays 
and  week-days  during  Lent.  ''In  this  hymn  Lent  is  re- 
garded as  a  season  of  waiting  and  penitential  preparation 

121 


PROPER  OF  THE  SEASON 

for  the  Second  Creation  at  Easter"  {Diet,  of  Hymnology, 
p.  576).  According  to  Duffield  "It  expresses  the  early 
Christian  attitude  towards  God's  works,  connecting  the 
looked-for  Easter  with  the  renewal  of  the  world  by  spring" 
{Latin  Hymn-Writers  and  Their  Hymns,  p.  335). 

1.  ''0  Jesus,  Sun  of  salvation,  shine  Thou  in  our  inmost 
souls,  till,  the  night  having  been  dispelled,  more  welcome 
day  is  born  anew  to  the  world. ' '  This  is  a  hymn  for  Lauds, 
which  was  said  at  daybreak.  As  the  sun  at  daybreak  dis- 
pels the  darkness,  in  like  manner  we  entreat  the  Sun  of 
salvation,  the  true  Light  of  the  world,  to  flood  our  hearts 
with  the  quickening  beams  of  His  grace. 

2.  '*  Having  given  this  acceptable  time,  grant  also  that 
we  cleanse  with  floods  of  tears  the  victim  of  our  heart, 
which  may  gladsome  charity  consume  by  its  flames." 
Tenipus  acceptabile,  a  time  of  grace ;  Lent  is  preeminently 
a  time  of  grace.  Victima,  something  offered  in  sacrifice. 
There  is  an  allusion  here  to  the  purification  of  the  victims 
of  sacrifice  in  the  Old  Law,  and  to  their  destruction  in  whole 
or  in  part  by  fire.  Such  for  example  were  the  holocausts, 
the  peace-offerings,  and  the  sacrifices  of  propitiation.  So 
too  shall  **the  victim  which  is  our  heart"  be  purified  by 
tears  of  sorrow,  and  consumed  by  the  flames  of  an  ardent 
charity.  Ecce  nunc  tempus  acceptabile,  ecce  nunc  dies 
salutis  (IlCor.  6,  2). 

3.  "From  the  selfsame  source  whence  sins  arose,  shall 
ceaseless  tears  arise,  if  but  the  rod  of  penance  break  the 
icy  coldness  of  the  heart."  Fonte,  "the  source"  is  the 
heart  of  man.  Ab  intus  enim  de  corde  hominum  malae  cogi- 
tationes  procedunt,  adulteria,  fornicationes,  homicidia 
(Mark  7,  21).  Virga:  The  rod  is  a  symbol  of  chastisement, 
and  here,  of  self-inflicted  chastisement. 

4.  "The  day  comes,  Thy  day,  on  which  all  shall  bloom 
anew;  then  may  we  too  rejoice,  led  on  the  way  by  Thy 
right  hand."  Dies:  The  day  alluded  to  may  be  either  Judg- 
ment Day  or  the  coming  Easter  Day. 

5.  "0  loving  Trinity,  may  the  whole  fabric  of  the  uni- 
verse humbly  adore  Thee,  and  we,  renewed  by  Thy  grace, 
would  sing  Thee  a  new  song  of  praise."   Prona,  prostrate. 

122 


PASSIONTIDE 


51 


Vexilla  Regis  prodeunt 


VEXILLA  Regis  prodeunt: 
Fulget  Crucis  mysterium, 
Qua  vita  mortem  pertulit, 
Et  morte  vitam  protulit. 


^Quae  vulnerata  lanceae 
Mucrone  diro,  criminum 
Ut  nos  lavaret  sordibus, 
Manavit  unda,  et  sanguine. 


'Impleta  sunt  quae  concinit 
David  fideli  carmine, 
Dicendo  nationibus: 
Regnavit  a  ligno  Deus. 


*  Arbor  decora  et  fulgida, 
Ornata  regis  purpura. 
Electa  digno  stipite 
Tam  sancta  membra  tangere. 


"Beata,  cujus  brachiis 
Pretium  pependit  saeculi, 
Statera  facta  corporis, 
Tulitque  praedam  tartari. 


*0  Crux  ave  spes  unica, 
Hoc  passionis  tempore 
Piis  adauge  gratiam, 
Reisque  dele  crimina. 


A  BROAD  the  Regal  Banners  fly, 
•^^  Now  shines  the  Cross's  mys- 
tery; 
Upon  it  Life  did  death  endure, 
And  yet  by  death  did  life  procure. 

Who,    wounded    with    a    direful 

spear. 
Did,  purposely  to  wash  us  clear 
From  stain  of  sin,  pour  out  a  flood 
Of    precious    Water    mixed    with 

Blood. 

That  which  the  Prophet-King  of 

old 
Hath  in  mysterious  verse  foretold, 
Is  now   accomplished,   whilst   we 

see 
God  ruling  nations  from  a  Tree. 

0  lovely  and  refulgent  Tree, 
Adorned  with  purpled  maj-esty; 
Culled   from   a   worthy   stock,   to 

bear 
Those     Limbs     which     sanctified 

were. 

Blest  Tree,  whose  happy  branches 

bore 
The    wealth    that   did   the    world 

restore ; 
The    beam    that    did    that    Body 

weigh 
Which  raised  up  hell's  expected 

prey. 

Hail,   Cross,   of  hopes   the  most 

sublime! 
Now    in    this    mournful    Passion 

time, 
Improve  religious  souls  in  grace, 
The  sins  of  criminals  efface. 

123 


PROPER  OF  THE  SEASON 

'Te,  fons  salutis  Trinitas,  Blest  Trinity,  salvation's  spring, 

Collaudet  omnis  spiritus:  May  every  soul  Thy  praises  sing; 

Quibus  Crucis  victoriam  To  those  Thou  grantest  conquest 

Largiris,  adde  praemiiun.  by 

The  holy  Cross,  rewards  apply. 

Author:  Venantius  Fortunatus  (530-609).  Meter: 
Iambic  dimeter.  Translation  by  W.  K.  Blount.  There 
are  about  forty  translations,  ten  of  which  are  in  Mr.  Ship- 
ley's Annus  Sanctus.  According  to  Julian's  Diet,  of 
Hymnology  the  above  translation,  dating  from  1670,  is  by 
far  the  best  rendering  of  the  Vexilla  Regis  in  common  use ; 
while  J.  M.  Neale's  translation,  in  various  forms,  is  more 
widely  used  than  all  others  put  together  (p.  1221). 
Neale's  translation  of  the  Original  Text  is  in  the  Baltimore 
Manual  of  Prayers,  p.  612.  Liturgical  Use  :  Vespers  hymn 
from  Passion  Sunday  to  Wednesday  of  Holy  Week.  It 
is  also  the  Vespers  hymn  on  the  Feasts  of  the  Finding  (May 
3)  and  of  the  Exaltation  (Sept.  14)  of  the  Holy  Cross. 
The  Vexilla  Regis  was  originally  intended  as  a  Processional 
Hymn,  and  it  is  still  so  used  on  Good  Friday,  when  the 
Blessed  Sacrament  is  carried  from  the  Eepository  to  the 
High  Altar.  Neale  justly  styles  the  Vexilla  Regis  "a 
world-famous  hymn"  and  ''one  of  the  grandest  in  the 
treasury  of  the  Latin  Church"  {Medieval  Hymns  p.  6). 
It  was  composed  by  Fortunatus  on  the  occasion  of  the  re- 
ception of  a  relic  of  the  True  Cross,  which  was  sent  by  the 
Emperor  Justin  II  to  St.  Eadegunde.  Read  Monsignor 
Henry's  interesting  article  on  this  hymn  in  the  Cath. 
Encycl. 

1.  "The  banners  of  the  King  come  forth;  brightly 
gleams  the  mystery  of  the  Cross,  on  which  Life  suffered 
death,  and  by  His  death,  obtained  for  us  life."  Vexilla: 
lit.  banners;  here,  the  Cross.  The  vexillum  was  the  old 
Roman  cavalry  standard,  which,  after  Constantino,  was 
surmounted  by  a  Cross  instead  of  by  the  Roman  eagle. 
Mysterium:  The  Cross  is  by  preeminence  the  symbol  of 
man's  redemption.  Qua,  sc.  cruce.  Vita:  the  author  of 
life,  Christ.    Vitam  {cBternam). 

2.  "He  was  wounded  by  the  cruel  point  of  a  spear,  and 
there  issued  forth  water  and  blood  to  cleanse  us  from  the 

124 


PASSIONTIDE 

defilements  of  sin."  Qucb,  sc.  vita,  from  the  preceding 
stanza.  Unda  et  sanguine:  An  allusion  to, — sed  unns  mili- 
tum  lancea  latus  ejus  aperuit,  et  continuo  exivit  sanguis  et 
aqua  (John  19,  34). 

3.  ''Now  is  fulfilled  what  David  foretold  in  faithful  song, 
saying  to  the  nations:  'God  has  reigned  from  a  Tree.'  " 
A  ligno:  "from  the  wood,"  or,  "from  a  tree."  The 
reference  is  to  Ps.  95,  10 :  Dicite  in  gentibus  quia  Dominus 
regnavit  a  ligno.  The  words  a  ligno  are  not  found  in  any 
present  text  of  the  Scriptures.  They  were,  however,  fre- 
quently quoted  by  the  early  Fathers;  and  St.  Justin  even 
accused  the  Jews  of  having  erased  them  from  the  Hebrew 
text.  If  not  a  Scriptural,  the  a  ligno  is  at  least  a  liturgical 
expression  still  in  use  during  Paschal  time  in  the  "Com- 
memoration of  the  Cross,"  in  both  Lauds  and  Vespers. 
"The  words  are  probably  a  gloss  by  some  early  Christian 
scribe,  transferred,  in  course  of  time,  from  the  margin  into 
the  text"  (Rev.  J.  M'Swiney,  S.J.,  in  his  Translation  of 
the  Psalms  and  Canticles,  p.  405).  In  this  stanza,  some 
texts  read  cecinit  for  concinit,  dicens  for  dicendo,  and  reg- 
nahit  for  regnavit. 

4.  "0  beautiful  and  resplendent  Tree  adorned  with  the 
purple  of  the  King,  chosen  to  bear  on  thy  worthy  trunk, 
limbs  so  holy. ' '  Purpura,  purple ;  here,  the  Most  Precious 
Blood.    T anger e :  to  touch,  come  in  contact  with. 

5.  "0  blessed  Tree  upon  whose  branches  hung  the 
ransom  of  the  world ;  it  was  made  the  balance  of  the  body, 
and  snatched  away  the  (expected)  prey  of  hell."  The  last 
two  lines  are  obscure,  and  are  variously  rendered.  Pre- 
tium:  Empti  enim  estis  pretio  magno  (I  Cor.  6,  20). 
Statera,  lit.,  a  steelyard;  a  balance,  beam,  scales;  also  the 
value  of  a  thing,  price.  "Statera  corporis,  the  payment  of 
the  body  having  been  made;  others  read  facta  est:  many 
read  statera  scbcuU,  the  price  of  the  world"  (March's 
Latin  Hymns,  p.  254).  The  following  translations  are 
good: 

"The  price  of  human-kind  to  pay, 
And  spoil  the  spoiler  of  his  pray." 

— Neale 

125 


PROPER  OF  THE  SEASON 

"Balance  sublime!   upon  whose  beam 
Was  weighed  the  ransom  of  mankind." 

— Caswall 

The  last  two  stanzas  of  the  hymn  are  not  by  Fortunatus. 

6.  ''Hail,  0  Cross,  our  only  hope!  In  this  Passiontide 
increase  grace  in  the  just,  and  for  sinners,  blot  out  their 
sins." 

7.  "May  every  spirit  praise  Thee,  0  Trinity,  Thou 
fount  of  salvation;  to  whom  Thou  gavest  the  victory  of 
the  Cross,  grant  also  the  reward. ' ' 


52 


Pange  lingua  gloriosi 


PANGE  lingua  gloriosi 
Lauream  certaminis, 
Et  super  Crucis  trophaeo 
Die  triimiphum  nobilem : 
Qualiter  Redemptor  orbis 
Immolatus  vicerit. 


^De  parentis  protoplast! 
Fraude  Factor  condolens, 
Quando  pomi  noxialis 
In  necem  morsu  ruit: 
Ipse  lignum  tunc  notavit, 
Damna  ligni  ut  solveret. 

*Hoc  opus  nostrae  salutis 
Ordo  depoposcerat; 
Multiformis   proditoris 
Ars  ut  artem  falleret, 
Et  medelam  ferret  inde, 
Hostis  unde  laeserat. 


*  Quando  venit  ergo  sacri 
Plenitudo  temporis. 
Missus  est  ab  arce  Patris 
Natus,  orbis  Conditor; 
Atque  ventre  virginali 
Carne  amictus  prodiit. 


SING,  my  tongue,  the  glorious 
battle 
With  completed  victory  rife: 
And  above  the  Cross's  trophy 
Tell  the  triumph  of  the  strife: 
How  the  world's  Redeemer  con- 
quered 
By  surrendering  of  His  life. 

God,  His  Maker,  sorely  grieving 
That  the  first-made  Adam  fell, 
When  he  ate  the  fruit  of  sorrow. 
Whose  reward  was  death  and  hell. 
Noted  then  this  Wood,  the  ruin 
Of  the  ancient  wood  to  quell. 

For  the  work  of  our  salvation 
Needs  would  have  his  order  so. 
And  the  multiform  deceiver's 
Art  by  art  would  overthrow. 
And  from  thence  would  bring  the 

med'cine 
Whence  the  insult  of  the  foe. 

Wherefore,  when  the  sacred  ful- 
ness 
Of  the  appointed  time  was  come, 
This     world's     Maker     left     His 

Father, 
Sent  the  heav'nly  mansion  from, 
And  proceeded,  God  Incarnate, 
Of  the  Virgin's  holy  womb. 


126 


PASSIONTIDE 


'Vagit  infans  inter  arcta 
Conditus  praesepia: 
Membra  pannis  involuta 
Virgo  Mater  alligatt 
Et  Dei  manus  pedesque 
Stricta  cingit  fascia. 


Weeps  the  Infant  in  the  manger 
That  in  Bethlehem's  stable  stands; 
And  His  limbs  the  Virgin  Mother 
Doth  compose  in  swaddling  bands, 
Meetly  thus  in  linen  folding 
Of  her  God  the  feet  and  hands. 


53 

'Lustra  sex  qui  jam  peregit, 
Tempus  implens  corporis, 
Sponte  libera  Redemptor 
Passioni  deditus, 
Agnus  in  Crucis  levatur 
Immolandus  stipite. 


^Felle  potus  ecce  languet: 
Spina,  clavi,  lancea 
Mite  corpus  perforarunt: 
Unda  manat,  et  cruor: 
Terra,  pontus,  astra,  mundus, 
Quo  lavantur  flumine! 


^Crux  fidelis,  inter  omnes 
Arbor  una  nobilis: 
Silva  talem  nulla  profert 
Fronde,  flore,  germine: 
Dulce  ferrum,  dulce  lignum, 
Dulce  pondus  sustinent. 

^Flecte  ramos  arbor  alta, 
Tensa  laxa  viscera, 
Et  rigor  lentescat  ille, 
Quem  dedit  nativitas; 
Et  superni  membra  regis 
Tende  miti  stipite. 

^"Sola  digna  tu  fuisti 
Ferre  mundi  victimam; 
Atque  portum  praeparare 
Area  mundo  naufrago, 
Quam  sacer  cruor  perunxit, 
Fusus  Agni  corpore. 


Thirty  years  among  us  dwelling. 
His  appointed  time  fulfilled, 
Born     for    this,    He    meets    His 

Passion, 
For  that  this  He  freely  willed: 
On  the  Cross  the  Lamb  is  lifted, 
Where    His    life-blood    shall    be 

spilled. 

He  endured  the  nails,  the  spitting. 
Vinegar,  and  spear,  and  reed; 
From  that  holy  Body  broken 
Blood   and  water   forth  proceed: 
Earth,    and    stars,    and   sky,    and 

ocean. 
By  that  flood  from  stain  are  free. 

Faithful  Cross!  above  all  other. 
One  and  only  noble  Tree! 
None  in  foliage,  none  in  blossom, 
None  in  fruit  thy  peers  may  be; 
Sweetest  Wood  and  sweetest  Iron! 
Sweetest  Weight  is  hung  on  thee. 

Bend  thy  boughs,  0  Tree  of  glory ! 
Thy  relaxing  sinews  bend; 
For  awhile  the  ancient  rigor. 
That  thy  birth  bestowed,  suspend; 
And  the  King  of  heavenly  beauty 
On  thy  bosom  gently  tend ! 

Thou  alone  wast  counted  worthy 
This  world's  ransom  to  uphold; 
For  a  shipwrecked  race  preparing 
Harbor,  like  the  Ark  of  old; 
With  the  sacred  Blood  anointed 
From  the  smitten  Iamb  that  rolled. 


127 


PROPER  OF  THE  SEASON 

^^  Sempiterna  sit  beatae  To  the  Trinity  be  glory 

Trinitati   gloria,  Everlasting,  as  is  meet; 

^qua  Patri,  Filioque;  Equal  to  the  Father,  equal 

Par  decus  Paraclito:  To  the  Son,  and  Paraclete: 

Unius  Trinique  nomen  Trinal  Unity,  whose  praises 

Laudet  universitas.  All  created  things  repeat. 

Author:  Venantins  Fortunatus  (530-609).  Meter: 
Trochaic  tetrameter  catalectic.  Translation  by  J.  M. 
Neale.  There  are  about  twenty-five  translations,  four  of 
which  are  in  Mr.  Shipley's  Annus  Sanctus.  Liturgical.  Use  : 
The  Pange  lingua  is  in  use  in  both  the  Missal  and  the 
Breviary.  Missal  use:  The  whole  hymn  (eleven  stanzas) 
is  recited  or  sung  during  the  "Adoration  of  the  Cross"  in 
the  morning  service  on  Good  Friday.  Breviary  use :  For 
Office  use,  the  hymn  is  divided  into  two  equal  parts  with  a 
common  doxology.  The  first  five  stanzas  are  assigned  to 
Matins  from  Passion  Sunday  to  the  Wednesday  of  Holy 
Week,  inclusive.  The  same  stanzas  form  the  Matins  hymn 
for  the  Feasts  of  the  Finding  (May  3)  and  of  the  Exalta- 
tion (Sept.  14)  of  the  Holy  Cross.  The  remaining  five 
stanzas,  beginning  with  Lustra  sex,  are  used  in  Lauds 
whenever  the  Pange  lingua  is  used  in  Matins.  Read  the 
article  on  the  Pange  lingua  gloriosi,  in  the  Cath.  Encycl. 
In  the  opinion  of  Dr.  Julian,  this  noble  hymn  is  *'one  of 
the  finest  of  the  Latin  Medieval  Hymns,  and  perhaps  the 
best  of  its  author"  [Diet,  of  Hymnology,  p.  880).  Neale 
places  it  ''in  the  very  first  class  of  Latin  Hymns"  {Medieval 
Hymns,  p.  1).  Dr.  Neale 's  translation  above  is  of  the 
Original  Text.  The  hymn  was  not  greatly  altered  by  the 
revisers. 

1.  ' '  Sing,  0  my  tongue,  the  victory  in  that  glorious  com- 
bat, and,  of  the  trophy  of  the  Cross,  sing  a  noble  song  of 
triumph,  recounting  how  the  Redeemer  of  the  world,  when 
immolated,  conquered."  Pange,  frame,  i.  e.,  sing,  celebrate 
in  song.  It  has  the  same  meaning  as  die  in  1.  4.  Daniel, 
in  his  Thes.  Hymyiol.  lists  fourteen  hymns  beginning  with 
the  words  Pange  lingua.  Law  earn,  victory;  the  Original 
Text  has  proslium,  which  to  the  revisers  under  Urban  VIII 
seemed  tautological.  Neale,  however,  maintains  that 
prcelium  is  the  better  word,  for — *'It  is  not  to  the  glory  of 

128 


PASSIONTIDE 

the  termination  of  Our  Lord's  Conflict  with  the  devil  that 
the  poet  would  have  us  look,  but  to  the  glory  of  the  struggle 
itself,  as  indeed  he  tells  us  at  the  conclusion  of  the  verse" 
{Medieval  Hymns,  p.  4).  Certaminis:  The  contest  between 
Christ  and  Satan  for  the  possession  of  the  human  race  (cf. 
Gen.  3,  15).  Super  =  de,  of,  about,  concerning.  Trophceo: 
Originally  the  trophceum  was  a  tree  stripped  of  its 
branches  and  adorned  with  the  spoils  of  war.  Representa- 
tions of  the  stumps  of  trees  so  adorned  are  often  found 
on  coins.  The  poet  probably  alludes  to  these  early  trophies 
in  *^the  trophy  of  the  Cross."  Later,  however,  the 
*' trophy"  was  a  monument  erected  on  a  battle-field  on  the 
spot  where  the  defeated  enemy  turned  to  flee  (cf.  Harper's 
Diet,  of  Class.  Liter,  and  Antiq.,  p.  1615). 

2.  **  Deeply  grieved  by  the  infidelity  of  the  first-created 
man,  when  by  the  eating  of  the  fatal  fruit  he  rushed  head- 
long to  death,  the  Creator  Himself  then  chose  the  tree  that 
would  undo  the  harm  wrought  by  the  former  tree." 

He  then  resolved  the  Cross's  wood 
Should  make  that  tree's  sad  damage  good. 

Ipse  lignum  tunc  notavit:  There  is  an  ancient  legend  that 
the  Cross  of  Christ  sprang  from  a  seed  or  bough  of  the 
Tree  of  Life.  In  her  Christia/n  Life  in  Song,  Mrs.  Charles 
gives  the  following  version  of  the  legend:  ''When  Adam 
died,  Seth  obtained  from  the  guardian  cherubim  of  Para- 
dise a  branch  of  the  tree  from  which  Eve  ate  the  forbidden 
fruit.  This  he  planted  on  Golgotha,  called  the  place  of  the 
scull,  because  Adam  was  buried  there.  From  this  tree,  as 
the  ages  rolled  on,  were  made  the  ark  of  the  testimony,  the 
pole  on  which  the  brazen  serpent  was  lifted  up,  and  other 
instruments ;  and  from  its  wood,  at  length,  then  grown  old 
and  hard,  was  made  the  Cross. ' ' 

3.  ''This  work  the  plan  of  our  salvation  demanded,  that 
art  might  outwit  the  art  of  the  multiform  deceiver,  and 
thence  bring  the  remedy  whence  the  foe  wrought  the  in- 
jury." Ars,  the  wisdom  of  God;  artem,  the  cunning  of 
Satan.  Multiformis:  Satan  has  appeared  under  various 
forms:  To  Eve  as  a  serpent  (Gen.  3,  1) ;  to  Christ  in  the 
desert,  as  a  man  (Matt.  4,  1-10) ;  to  the  Saints  in  various 

129 


PROPER  OF  THE  SEASON 

forms;  and  he  may  appear  even  as  an  angel  of  light  (II 
Cor.  11, 14).  Et  medelam  ferret  inde  ....  wide:  This 
thought  is  beautifully  expressed  in  the  Preface  of  the 
Cross : — Qui  salutem  humani  generis  in  ligno  crucis  consti- 
tuisti,  ut  unde  mors  oriebatur,  inde  vita  resurgeret,  et  qui 
(the  serpent)  in  ligno  vincebat,  in  ligno  quoque  vinceretur. 

4.  ''When,  therefore,  the  fulness  of  the  sacred  time  was 
come,  the  Son,  the  Creator  of  the  world,  was  sent  forth 
from  His  Father's  home,  and,  clothed  in  flesh.  He  came 
forth  from  a  virginal  womb."  Plenitudo  temporis:  Ubi 
venit  plenitudo  temporis,  misit  Deus  Filium  suum  factum 
ex  muliere  (Gal.  4,  4).  Arce:  heaven;  the  bosom  of  the 
eternal  Father.    Came:  In  human  form. 

5.  "As  an  Infant,  He  cries,  hidden  in  a  narrow  manger: 
the  Virgin-Mother  swathes  His  limbs  wrapped  up  in  swad- 
dling-clothes, and  a  tight  band  binds  the  hands  and  feet 
of  God."  The  following  translation  of  this  stanza,  from 
the  Divine  Office,  1763,  is  very  beautiful : 

Thus  God-made-Man   an   Infant  lies, 
And  in  the  manger  weeping  cries; 
His  sacred  limbs  by  Mary  bound, 
The  poorest  tattered  rags  surround; 
And  God's  incarnate  feet  and  hands 
Are  closely  bound  with  swathing-bands. 

— Annus  Sanctus,  p.  100. 

Conditus:  some  texts  have  positus.  Note  the  play  on  the 
word  Conditor;  the  infinite  Gonditor  of  the  preceding 
stanza  is  here  conditus,  hidden,  sheltered.  Fascia  may  be 
either  the  subject  of  cingit,  or  the  ablative.  In  the  latter 
case  Virgo-Mater  is  the  subj.  of  cingit;  viz.,  the  Virgin- 
Mother,  with  a  tight  band,  binds  the  hands  and  feet  of  God. 
The  former  is  preferable. 

6.  "When  He  had  lived  thirty  years,  completing  the 
period  of  His  earthly  sojourning,  the  Redeemer,  of  His  own 
free  will,  gave  Himself  up  to  His  Passion,  and  as  a  Lamb  to 
be  slaughtered.  He  was  lifted  up  on  the  tree  of  the  Cross. ' ' 
Lustre»:  lustrum,  a  period  of  five  years:  it  is  here  the  ac- 
cusative of  time  denoting  how  long.  Sponte  libera:  Oblatus 
est  quia  ipse  voluit,  et  non  aperuit  os  suum:  sicut  ovis  ad 

130 


PASSIONTIDE 

occisionem  ducetur,  et  quasi  agiius  coram  tondente  se 
obmutescet,  et  non  aperiet  os  suum  (Is.  53,  7).  Agnus: 
The  Paschal  Lamb  of  the  Old  Law  was  a  most  striking 
figure  of  Christ,  the  ''Lamb  of  God."  Read  the  article  on 
Lamb,  Paschal  in  the  Cath.  Encycl.  Read  also  Exodus  12, 
3-11. 

7.  ''He  partakes  of  gall;  lo,  He  swoons:  thorns,  nails, 
and  a  lance  pierce  His  tender  body :  water  flows  forth,  and 
blood ;  by  which  flood,  the  earth,  the  sea,  the  stars,  and  the 
whole  world  is  purified."  Potus:  perf.  part,  passive,  used 
frequently  in  an  active  sense,  signifying  one  who  has 
drunk  or  partaken  of  something.  The  allusion  is  to  the 
potion  offered  to  our  Blessed  Lord  before  His  crucifixion. 
Et  dederunt  ei  vinum  bibere  cum  felle  mistum.  Et  cum 
gustasset,  noluit  bibere.  (Matt.  27,  34:  cf.  also  Mark  15, 
23.)  It  was  customary  in  ancient  times  to  offer  to  ane 
about  to  be  crucified  a  potion  to  sustain  him  or  to  deaden 
his  sensibilities.  This  drink  Our  Lord  merely  tasted. 
Languet:  He  grows  weak;  languet  is  entirely  independent 
of  felle  potus.  Quo  lavantur  flumine:  Of  the  cleansing 
power  of  the  Precious  Blood,  St.  Thomas,  in  the  Adoro  Te 
devote  sings : 

Cujus  una  stilla  salvum  facere 
Totum  mundum  quit  ab  omni  scelere. 

Whereof  one  only  drop,  in  Thy  sweet  mercy  spih, 

Would  have  the  power  to  cleanse  the  world  from  all  its  guilt. 

8.  "0  faithful  (Tree  of  the)  Cross!  the  one  noble  Tree 
among  all  trees :  no  forest  yields  thy  like  in  foliage,  flower, 
and  fruit:  sweet  iron,  sweet  wood,  that  bear  so  sweet  a 
burden."  This  stanza  is  one  of  great  beauty.  Fidelis: 
The  Tree  in  Eden  (Gen.  3,  1-7)  was  perfidious;  the  Tree  on 
Calvary  has  become  the  very  symbol  of  faith.  What  other 
tree  can  ever  hope  to  bear  foliage,  flowers,  and  fruit  of 
infinite  worth  and  beauty ! 

9.  ' '  Bend  thy  limbs,  0  lofty  Tree,  relax  thy  tense  fibers, 
and  let  that  hardness  which  thy  nature  gave  thee,  unbend; 
and  stretch  on  thy  softened  trunk  the  members  of  the 
heavenly  King." 

10.  "Thou  alone  wast  deemed  worthy  to  bear  the  Victim 

131 


PROPER  OF  THE  SEASON 

of  the  world ;  and  as  an  Ark,  to  provide  a  haven  for  a  ship- 
wrecked world;  which  (ark)  the  sacred  blood  poured  forth 
from  the  body  of  the  Lamb  hath  anointed."  Area:  "In 
stanza  10,  the  Cross  seems  to  be  regarded,  by  a  change  of 
figure,  as  a  ship  in  which  the  faithful  safely  ride  over  the 
waves  of  this  troublesome  world,  after  those  waves  have 
been  smoothed  for  them  by  the  anointing  oil  that  flowed 
from  the  wounds  of  the  Lamb  of  God"  {Diet,  of  Hymnology, 
p.  880). 

11.  "Eternal  glory  be  to  the  Blessed  Trinity;  equal 
glory  be  to  the  Father  and  to  the  Son;  equal  glory  to  the 
Paraclete;  may  the  whole  world  praise  the  Name  of  the 
One,  and  of  the  Three." 

The  Seven  Dolors  of  the  Blessed  Virgin 
the  friday  after  passion  sunday 


54 


Stabat  Mater  dolorosa 


STABAT  Mater  dolorosa 
Juxta  Crucem  lacrymosa, 
Dum  pendebat  FiHus. 
Cujus  animam  gementem, 
Contristatam  et  dolentem, 
Pertransivit  gladius. 


^D  quam  tristis  et  afflicta 
Fuit  ilia  benedicta 

Mater  Unigeniti! 
Quae  mcerebat,  et  dolebat, 
Pia  Mater,  dum  videbat 

Nati  poenas  inclyti. 

^Quis  est  homo  qui  non  fleret, 
Matrem  Christi  si  videret 

In  tanto  supplicio? 
Quis  non  posset  contristari, 
Christi  Matrem  contemplari 

Dolentem  cum  Filio? 


AT  the  Cross  her  station  keeping, 
Stood   the   mournful   Mother 
weeping, 
Close  to  Jesus  to  the  last: 
Through    her    heart,    His    sorrow 

sharing. 
All  His  bitter  anguish  bearing. 
Now    at    length    the    sword    had 
passed. 

Oh,  how  sad  and  sore  distressed 
Was  that  Mother  highly  blest 
Of  the  sole-begotten  One! 
Christ  above  in  torment  hangs; 
She  beneath  beholds  the  pangs 
Of  her  dying  glorious  Son. 

Is  there  one  who  would  not  weep, 
Whelmed  in  miseries  so  deep 
Christ's  dear  Mother  to  behold? 
Can  the  human  heart  refrain 
From  partaking  in  her  pain, 
In  that  Mother's  pain  untold? 


132 


PASSIONTIDE 


*Pro  peccatis  suae  gentis 
Vidit  Jesura  in  tormentis, 

Et  flagellis  subditum: 
Vidit  suum  dulcem  Natum 
Moriendo    desolatum, 

Dum  emisit  spiritum. 

^  Eja  Mater,  f ons  amoris. 
Me  sentire  vim  doloris 

Fac,  ut  tecum  lugeam: 
Fac,  ut  ardeat  cor  meum 
In  amando  Christum  Deum 

Ut  sibi  complaceam. 


Bruised,  derided,  cursed,  defiled, 
She  beheld  her  tender  Child 
All  with  bloody  scourges  rent; 
For  the  sins  of  His  own  nation, 
Saw  Him  hang  in  desolation. 
Till  His  Spirit  forth  He  sent. 

0  thou  Mother!  fount  of  love! 
Touch  my  spirit  from  above. 
Make  my  heart  with  thine  accord: 
Make  me  feel  as  thou  hast  felt; 
Make  my  soul  to  glow  and  melt 
With  the  love  of  Christ  ray  Lord. 


55 

^Sancta   Mater,   istud   agas, 
Crucifixi  fige  plagas 

Cordi  meo  valide: 
Tui  Nati  vulnerati, 
Tam  dignati  pro  me  pati, 

Poenas  mecum  divide. 

^Fac  me  tecum  pie  flere, 
Crucifixo  condolere, 

Donee  ego  vixero: 
Juxta  Crucem  tecum  stare, 
Et  me  tibi  sociare 

In  planctu  desidero. 


Holy  Mother!  pierce  me  through; 
In  my  heart  each  wound  renew 
Of  my  Saviour  crucified: 
Let  me  share  with  thee  His  pain, 
Who  for  all  my  sins  was  slain, 
Who  for  me  in  torments  died. 

Let  me  mingle  tears  with  thee. 
Mourning  Him  who  mourned  for 

me, 
All  the  days  that  I  may  live: 
By  the  Cross  with  thee  to  stay; 
There  with  thee  to  weep  and  pray ; 
Is  all  I  ask  of  thee  to  give. 


56 

*  Virgo  virginum  praeclara, 
Mihi  jam  non  sis  amara, 

Fac  me  tecum  plangere: 
Fac  ut  portem  Christi  mortem, 
Passionis  fac  consortem, 

Et  plagas  recolere. 

*Fac  me  plagis  vulnerari, 
Fac  me  Cruce  inebriari, 

Et  cruore  Filii. 
Flammis  ne  urar  succensus, 
Per  te,  Virgo,  sim  defensus 
In  die  judicii. 


Virgin  of  all  virgins  blest! 
Listen  to  my  fond  request: 
Let  me  share  thy  grief  divine; 
Let  me,  to  my  latest  breath. 
In  my  body  bear  the  death 
Of  that  dying  Son  of  thine. 

Wounded  with  His  every  wound. 
Steep  my  soul  till  it  hath  swooned 
In  His  very  Blood  away; 
Be  to  me,  0  Virgin,  nigh. 
Lest  in  flames  I  burn  and  die, 
In  that  awful  Judgment  day. 


133 


PROPER  OF  THE  SEASON 

^*  Christe,  cum  sit  hinc  exire,  Christ,  when  Thou  shalt  call  me 

Da  per  Matrem  me  venire  hence, 

Ad  palmam  victoriae.  Be  Thy  Mother  my  defence, 

Quando  corpus  morietur  Be  Thy  Cross  my  victory; 

Fac  ut  animae  donetur  While  my  body  here  decays, 

Paradisi  gloria.  May  my  soul  Thy  goodness  praise, 

Safe  in  Paradise  with  Thee. 


Author  I  Ascribed  to  Jacopone  da  Todi,  O.F.M.  (d. 
1306).  Meter:  Trochaic  dimeter.  Translation  by  Father 
Caswall.  There  are  more  than  sixty  translations,  three  of 
which  are  in  Mr.  Shipley's  Annus  Sanctus.  Father  Cas- 
wall's  translation  is  by  far  the  most  extensively  used.  Lit- 
urgical Use  :  Sequence  for  the  Mass  of  the  Seven  Dolors  on 
the  Friday  after  Passion  Sunday,  and  on  the  15th  of  Sep- 
tember when  another  Feast  of  the  Seven  Dolors  is  cele- 
brated. For  Office  use,  the  Stabat  Mater  is  divided  into 
three  parts  for  Vespers,  Matins  and  Lauds,  as  follows: 

54  Vespers:    Stabat  Mater  dolorosa. 

55  Matins :       Sancta  Mater  istud  agas. 

56  Lauds:        Virgo  virginum  prceclara. 

The  Stabat  Mater  is  recognized  as  the  tenderest  and  most 
pathetic  hymn  of  the  Middle  Ages.  In  the  simplest,  and  at 
the  same  time  in  the  most  vivid  manner,  it  represents  the 
Blessed  Mother  of  God  plunged  in  grief  and  weeping  be- 
neath the  Cross  on  which  her  beloved  Son  was  suffering  so 
unmerited  and  so  painful  a  death.  The  historical  event 
(John  19,  25)  is  narrated  in  the  first,  second  and  fourth 
stanzas.  The  remaining  stanzas  are  made  up  of  reflections, 
affections,  petitions,  and  resolutions  arising  from  the  con- 
templation of  Our  Lord's  bitter  sufferings  and  death.  There 
is  an  excellent  article  on  this  hymn  in  the  Cath.  Encycl.  The 
same  article  treats  of  another  hymn — the  Stabat  Mater 
speciosa  which  is  a  sort  of  imitation  of  the  '* Dolorosa." 
It  represents  our  Blessed  Mother  watching  beside  Our 
Lord's  cradle  at  Bethlehem.  The  two  hymns  are  probably 
by  the  same  author.  The  Stabat  Mater  speciosa  is  given 
below  with  a  translation  by  that  ' '  sweet  and  powerful  ver- 

134 


PASSIONTIDE 

sifier,"   Denis   Florence    MacCarthy.      Mr.    MacCarthy's 
translations  of  both  hymns  are  in  the  Annus  Sanctus. 

1.  '^The  sorrowful  Mother  stood  weeping  beside  the 
Cross,  while  her  Son  hung  thereon:  a  sword  pierced  her 
sighing,  compassionate,  and  grief-stricken  soul."  Stabat: 
Stabant  autem  juxta  crucem  Jesu  mater  ejus,  etc.  (John 
19,  25).  Pertransivit  gladius:  Et  tuam  ipsius  animam  per- 
transibit  gladius  (Luke  2,  35).  Read  the  beautiful  Canticle 
of  Simeon  (Luke  2,  29-32).  The  sword  of  Simeon's 
prophecy,  which  was  to  pierce  the  soul  of  the  Mother,  was 
the  sword  of  grief  that  transfixed  her  as  she  stood  beside 
the  Cross  on  Calvary.  Mary  is  the  "Sorrowful  Mother," 
and  her  Divine  Son  is  the  "Man  of  Sorrows"  (Is.  53  3). 

2.  "  0  how  sad  and  how  afflicted  was  that  Blessed  Mother 
of  the  Only-Begotten !  How  she  grieved  and  suffered,  that 
loving  Mother,  when  she  beheld  the  pains  of  her  glorious 
Son." 

3.  "Who  is  there  that  would  not  weep,  if  he  should  be- 
hold the  Mother  of  Christ  in  such  great  distress?  Who 
would  be  able  not  to  grieve,  if  he  should  contemplate  the 
Mother  of  Christ  suffering  with  her  Son?"  Constr. :  Quis 
posset  non  contristari.     Contemplari  =  si  contemplaretur. 

4.  "For  the  sins  of  His  own  nation,  she  saw  Jesus  in  tor- 
ments and  subjected  to  stripes.  She  beheld  her  sweet  Son 
dying,  abandoned,  until  He  yielded  up  the  ghost."  Pro 
peccatis  suce  gentis:  Ipse  enim  salvum  faciet  populum  suum 
a  peccatis  eorum  (Matt.  1,  21).  For  a  history  of  the  Pas- 
sion of  Our  Lord,  cf.  Matt.  26-27;  Mark  14-15;  Luke  22-23; 
John  18-19.  Emisit  spiritum:  Jesus  autem  iterum  damans 
voce  magna,  emisit  spiritum  (Matt.  27,  50). 

5.  "Ah,  Mother,  fount  of  love,  make  me  feel  the  force  of 
grief,  make  me  weep  with  thee.  Make  my  heart  burn  with 
the  love  of  Christ,  my  God,  that  I  may  be  pleasing  to  Him." 
Sibi,  for  ei  or  ipsi.  This  use  of  the  pronouns  is  quite  com- 
mon in  Late  Latin  and  in  the  Vulgate ;  e.  g.,  Matt.  16,  21 ; 
Mark  10,  32;  Gen.  2,  18;  Tobias  3,  11. 

6.  "Holy  Mother,  mayest  thou  bring  it  to  pass,  that  the 
wounds  of  the  Crucified  may  be  deeply  stamped  upon  my 
heart.  Share  with  me  the  sufferings  of  thy  wounded  Son 
who  thus  deigned  to  suffer  for  me."   The  Prophet  Zach- 

135 


PROPER  OF  THE  SEASON 

arias  had  long  foretold  these  same  plagcE  in  the  sacred 
members  of  Our  Lord:  Quid  sunt  plagae  istsB  in  medio 
manuum  tuarum?  Et  dicet:  His  plagatus  sum  in  domo 
eorum  qui  diligebant  me  (Zach.  13,  6).  The  following  is 
D.  F.  MacCarthy's  rendering  of  this  stanza: 

Blessed  Mother  of  prediction, 
Stamp  the  marks  of  crucifixion 

Deeply  on  my  stony  heart. 
Ever  leading  where  thy  bleeding 
Son  is  pleading  for  my  needing, 

Let  me  in  His  wounds  take  part. 

7.  *' Grant  that  I  may  devoutly  weep  with  thee,  and  suf- 
fer with  the  Crucified  as  long  as  I  shall  live.  I  long  to  stand 
beside  the  Cross  with  thee,  and  to  unite  myself  to  thee,  in 
thy  grief." 

8.  '  *  0  peerless  Virgin  of  virgins,  be  not  unfavorably  dis- 
posed towards  me  now ;  grant  that  I  may  mourn  with  thee. 
Grant  that  I  may  bear  about  (in  my  body)  the  death  of 
Christ;  make  me  a  sharer  in  His  passion,  and  make  me 
mindful  of  His  sufferings."  Amarus,  bitter;  unkind,  ill- 
disposed.  Portem  mortem  Christi:  A  reference  to  II  Cor. 
4,  10.    Fac  (me)  consortem. 

9.  * '  Grant  that  I  may  be  wounded  with  His  wounds,  that 
I  may  be  inebriated  with  the  Cross  and  with  the  Blood  of 
thy  Son.  That  I  may  not  be  tormented  by  the  flames  of 
hell,  may  I,  0  Virgin,  be  defended  by  thee  on  the  day  of 
Judgment. ' '  Succensus,  from  succendo  3,  set  on  fire ;  used 
here  pleonastically.  Inebriari:  As  in  Ps.  35,  9:  Inebriabun- 
tur  ab  ubertate  domus  tuae:  et  torrente  voluptatis  tuae 
potabis  eos.  Translation:  ''They  shall  be  inebriated  (i.e., 
plentifully  filled,  sated,  filled  to  overflowing)  with  the 
plenty  of  thy  house ;  and  thou  shalt  make  them  drink  of  the 
torrent  of  thy  pleasure."    See  also  Ps.  22,  5. 

10.  ''When,  0  Christ,  the  hour  has  come  for  me  to  depart 
hence,  grant  that  through  Thy  Mother  I  may  obtain  the 
palm  of  victory.  When  my  body  shall  die,  grant  that  the 
glory  of  Paradise  be  given  to  my  soul." 


136 


57 


PASSIONTIDE 

Stabat  Mater  speciosa 


STABAT  Mater  speciosa 
Juxta  foenum  gaudiosa, 
Dum  jacebat  parvulus; 
Cujus  animam  gaudentem, 
Laetabundam  et  ferventera 
Pertransivit  jubilus. 


^0  quara  laeta  et  beata 
Fuit  ilia  immaculata 
Mater  unigeniti 
Quae  gaudebat  et  ridebat, 
Exultabat,  cum  videbat 
Nati  partum  inclyti. 


^  Quisquam  est,  qui  non  gauderet, 
Christi  matrem  si  videret 
In  tanto  solatio? 
Quis  non  possit  collaetari, 
Christi  matrem  contemplari 
Ludentem  cum  filio? 


*Pro  peccatis  suae  gentis 
Christum  vidit  cum  jumentis 
Et  algori  subditum; 
Vidit  suum  dulcem  natum 
Vagientem,  adoratum 
Vili  diversorio. 

^Nato  Christo  in  prassepe 
Cceli  cives  canunt  laete 
Cum  immenso  gaudio; 
Stabat  senex  cum  puella 
Non  cum  verbo  nee  loquela 
Stupescentes  cordibus. 


'Eja,  mater,  fons  amoris. 
Me  sentire  vim  ardoris 
Fac,  ut  tecum  sentiam; 


BY  the  crib  wherein  reposing, 
With    His    eyes    in    slumber 
closing. 
Lay  serene  her  Infant-boy, 
Stood  the  beauteous  Mother  teeling 
Bliss    that    could    not    bear    con- 
cealing. 
So  her  face  o'erflowed  with  joy. 

Oh,    the     rapture    naught    could 

smother 
Of  that  most  Immaculate  Mother 
Of  tlie  sole-begotten  One; 
When    with    laughing    heart    ex- 

uhing, 
She  beheld  her  hopes  resulting 
In  the  great  birth  of  her  Son. 

Who  would  not  with  gratulation 
See  the  happy  consolation 
Of  Christ's  Mother  undefiled? 
Who  would  not  be  glad  surveying 
Christ's     dear     Mother     bending, 

praying. 
Playing  with  her  heavenly  Child? 

For  a  sinful  world's  salvation, 
Christ  her  Son's  humiliation 
She  beheld  ajid  brooded  o'er; 
Saw  Him  weak,  a  child,  a  stranger, 
Yet  before  Him  in  the  manger 
Kings  lie  prostrate  and  adore. 

O'er  that  lowly  manger  winging. 
Joyful    hosts    from   heaven    were 

singing 
Canticles  of  holy  praise; 
While  the  old  man  and  the  maiden. 
Speaking     naught,     with     hearts 

o'erladen, 
Pondered  on  God's  wondrous  ways. 

Fount  of  love,  forever  flowing. 
With  a  burning  ardor  glowing. 
Make  me,  Mother,  feel  like  thee; 


137 


PROPER  OF  THE  SEASON 


Fac,  ut  ardeat  cor  meum 
In  amatum  Christum  Deum, 
Ut  sibi  complaceam. 

^  Sancta  mater,  istud  agas, 
Prone  introducas  plagas 
Cordi  fixas  valide; 
Tui  nati  coelo  lapsi, 
Jam  dignati  fceno  nasci 
Poenas  mecum  divide. 

*  Fac  me  vere  congaudere, 
Jesulino  cohaerere, 
Donee  ego  vixero; 
In  me  sistat  ardor  tui, 
Puerino  fac  me  frui, 
Dum  sum  in  exsilio. 

'Virgo  virginum  praeclara, 
Mihi  jam  non  sis  amara, 
Fac  me  parvum  rapere; 
Fac,utpulchrimi  inf  antem  portem. 
Qui  nascendo  vicit  mortem, 
Volens  vitam  tradere. 


^"Fac  me  tecum  satiari, 
Nato  me  inebriari, 
Stantem  in  tripudio; 
Inflammatus  et  accensus 
Obstupescit  omnis  sensus 
Tali  me  commercio. 


"Fac  me  nato  custodiri, 
Verbo  Dei  praemimiri, 
Conservari  gratia; 
Quando  corpus  morietur 
Fac,  ut  animse  donetur 
Tui  nati  gloria! 


Let  my  heart,  with  graces  gifted 
All  on  fire,  to  Christ  be  lifted, 
And  by  Him  accepted  be. 

Holy  Mother,  deign  to  bless  me. 
With  His  sacred  Wounds  impress 

me. 
Let  them  in  my  heart  abide; 
Since  He  came,  thy  Son,  the  Holy, 
To  a  birth-place,  ah,  so  lowly, 
All  His  pains  with  me  divide. 

Make  me  with  true  joy  delighted, 
To  Child- Jesus  be  united 
While  my  days  of  life  endure; 
While  an  exile  here  sojourning. 
Make    my    heart    like    thine    be 

burning 
With  a  love  divine  and  pure. 

Spotless  Maid  and  sinless  Woman, 
Make  us  feel  a  fire  in  common. 
Make  my  heart's  long  longing  sure. 
Virgin  of  all  virgins  highest. 
Prayer  to  thee  thou  ne'er  denyest, 
Let  me  bear  thy  sweet  Child  too. 

Let  me  bear  Him  in  my  bosom. 
Lord  of  life,  and  never  lose  Him, 
Since  His  birth  doth  death  subdue. 
Let  me  show  forth  how  immense  is 
The  effect  on  all  my  senses 
Of  an  union  so  divine. 

All  who  in  the  crib  revere  Him, 
Like  the  shepherds  watching  near 

Him, 
Will     attend    Him     through    the 

night. 
By  thy  powerful  prayers  protected, 
Grant,  0  Queen,  that  His  elected 
May  behold  heaven's  moving  light. 

Make  me  by  His  birth  be  guarded, 
By  God's  holy  word  be  warded. 
By  His  grace  till  all  is  done; 
When  my  body  lies  obstructed. 
Make  my  soul  to  be  conducted, 
To  the  vision  of  thy  Son. 


188 


PASSIONTIDE 

This  hymn  is  so  close  an  imitation  of  the  preceding  hymn 
that  its  translation  will  not  be  found  difficult.  The  following 
brief  notes  will  be  found  quite  sufficient.  The  numbers  refer 
to  stanzas  of  the  hymn.  Translation  by  Denis  Florence 
MacCarthy. 

1.  Gaudiosus  =  gaudens,  joyful.  4.  Diversorium,  lit.,  an 
inn ;  here  a  stable.  5.  Senex  cum  puella;  Joseph  and  Mary. 
Senex  {cum  =  et)  puella,  hence  the  pi.  Stupescentes,  agree- 
ing in  sense.  7.  Prone  introducas,  etc. :  Downward  press  and 
firmly  fix,  etc.  8.  Jesulinus  and  puerinus,  diminutives  of 
Jesus  and  puer.  9.  Vitam  trader e:  to  give  life  to  men.  10. 
Tripudium,  joy,  delight. 


58 


GLORIA,  laus,  et  honor,  tibi 
sit  Rex  Christe  Redemptor: 
Cui     puerile      decus     prompsit 

Hosanna  pium. 
Gloria,  laus,  etc. 


Gloria,  laus,  et  honor 

ALL  glory,  laud,  and  honor 
Tn   Thf>P-    Rprlppmpr     ICina 


*  Israel  es  tu  Rex,  Davidis  et  in- 

clyta  proles: 
Nomine    qui    in    Domini,    Rex 

benedicte,  venis. 
Gloria,  laus,  etc. 


*  Ccetus  in  excelsis 
coelicus  omnis, 

Et  mortalis  homo, 
creata  simul. 

Gloria,  laus,  etc. 


te     laudat 


et    cuncta 


*Plebs   Hebraea  tibi   cum  palmis 

obvia  venit: 
Cum  prece,  voto,  hymnis,  adsu- 

mus  ecce  tibi. 
Gloria,  laus,  etc. 


"Et  tibi  passuro  solvebant  munia 

laudis: 
Nos  tibi  regnanti  pangimus  ecce 

melos. 
Gloria,  laus,  etc. 


To  Thee,  Redeemer,  King, 
To  whom  the  lips  of  children 
Made  sweet  hosannas  ring. 


Thou  art  the  King  of  Israel, 
Thou  David's  royal  Son, 
Who  in  the  Lord's  Name  comest. 
The  King  and  Blessed  One. 
All  glory,  laud,  etc. 

The  company  of  Angels 
Are  praising  Thee  on  high. 
And  mortal  men  and  all  things 
Created  make  reply. 
All  glory,  laud,  etc. 

The  people  of  the  Hebrews 
With  palms  before  Thee  went; 
Our     praise     and     prayer     and 

anthems 
Before  Thee  we  present. 
All  glory,  laud,  etc. 

To  Thee  before  Thy  Passion 
They  sang  their  hymns  of  praise; 
To  Thee  now  high  exalted 
Our  melody  we  raise. 
All  glory,  laud,  etc. 


139 


PROPER  OF  THE  SEASON 

®  Hi  placuere  tibi,  placeat  devotio  Thou  didst  accept  their  praises, 

nostra:  Accept  the  prayers  we  bring, 

Rex  bone,  Rex  clemens,  cui  bona  Who  in  all  good  delightest, 

cuncta  placent.  Thou  good  and  gracious  King. 

Gloria,  laus,  etc.  All  glory,  laud,  etc. 

Author:  Theodulf,  Bishop  of  Orleans  (b.  about  760;  d. 
821).  Meter:  Elegiac.  Translation  by  J.  M.  Neale.  There 
are  twelve  translations,  two  of  which  are  in  the  Annus  Sanc- 
tus.  Liturgical  Use  :  Processional  hymn  on  Palm  Sunday. 
There  is  a  pretty  legend  concerning  the  composition  of  this 
hymn.  Theodulf,  so  runs  the  legend,  had  for  some  political 
reasons  been  imprisoned  in  a  monastery  in  Angers.  Dur- 
ing his  incarceration  he  wrote  this  hymn,  which  he  sang 
from  the  window  of  his  cell  when  the  king,  Louis  the  Pious, 
was  passing  in  the  procession  on  Palm  Sunday  in  821.  The 
hymn  so  moved  the  king  that  he  immediately  ordered  that 
the  holy  bishop  be  set  at  liberty  and  restored  to  his  see. 
The  legend  is  now  discredited  on  historical  grounds. 

The  hymn  is  based  on  the  following  passages  of  Scrip- 
ture: Ps.  117,  25-26;  Matt.  21,  1-16;  Mark  11,  9-10;  Luke  19, 
37-38 ;  John  12, 12-13.  This  is  the  only  instance  of  the  use  of 
elegiac  verse  in  the  hymns  of  the  Church.  Each  stanza  of 
this  species  of  poetry  consists  of  a  couplet  composed  of  a 
dactylic  hexameter  and  a  so-called  pentameter  verse.  The 
latter  is  the  same  as  the  former  except  that  it  omits  the  last 
half  of  the  third  foot  and  of  the  sixth  foot.  In  the  following 
couplet  the  elegiac  strophe  is  both  imitated  and  described 
by  the  poet  Coleridge: 

In  the  hexameter  rises    |  the  fountain's  silvery  column; 
In  the  pentameter  aye    |  falling  in  melody  back. 

The  translation  given  below,  which  is  also  by  J.  M.  Neale, 
is  in  the  meter  of  the  original.  It  is  quite  as  literal  as  prose. 
The  following  words  only  will  require  any  comment.  1.  Cui 
.  .  .  pium:  to  whom  youthful  beauty  offers  a  loving 
hosanna.  3.  Coetus  codicus  omnis,  the  whole  heavenly  host. 
5.  Munia  laudis:  they  offered  their  meed  of  praise.  Melos 
(neut.),  hymn,  song.  Read  the  articles  on  Hosanna,  Palm 
Sunday,  and  on  Palm  in  Christian  Symbolism,  in  the  Cath. 
Encycl. 

140 


EASTERTIDE 
58B 

GLORY  and  honor  and  laud  be  to  Thee,  King  Christ  the  Redeemer! 
Children  of  old  in  whose  praise  sweetest  hosannas  outpoured. 
Israel's  Monarch  art  Thou,  and  the  glorious  Offspring  of  David, 
Thou  that  approachest,  a  King,  blest  in  the  name  of  the  Lord. 
Glory  and  honor  and  laud,  etc. 

Glory  to  Thee  upon  high,  the  heavenly  armies  are  singing; 
Glory  to  Thee  upon  earth,  man  and  creation  reply. 
Glory  and  honor  and  laud,  etc. 

Met  Thee  with  palms  in  their  hands,  that  day  the  folk  of  the  Hebrews; 
We  with  our  prayers  and  our  hymns,  now  to  Thy  presence  approach. 
Glory  and  honor  and  laud,  etc. 

They  to    Thee   proffered   their   praise,   for   to   herald   Thy   dolorous 

Passion ; 
We  to  the  King  on  His  throne,  utter  the  jubilant  hymn. 
Glory  and  honor  and  laud,  etc. 

They  were  then  pleasing  to  Thee,  unto  Thee  our  devotion  be  pleasing; 
Merciful  King,  kind  King,  who  in  all  goodness  art  pleased. 
Glory  and  honor  and  laud,  etc. 


EASTERTIDE 

The  Paschal  Sequence 

59  VictimcB  Paschali 

VICTIMS  Paschali  pHRIST    the    Lord    is    risen 

Laudes  immolent  Christiani.      \^       to-day: 

Christians,    haste    your    vows    to 

pay; 
Offer  ye  your  praises  meet 
At  the  Paschal  Victim's  feet; 
'  Agnus  redemit  oves :  For  the  sheep  the  Lamb  hath  bled, 

Christus  innocens  Patri  Sinless  in  the  sinner's  stead. 

Reconsiliavit  Christ  the  Lord  is  risen  on  high; 

Peccatores.  Now  he  lives,  no  more  to  die. 


141 


PROPER  OF  THE  SEASON 


^Mors  et  vita  duello 
Conflixere  mirando: 
Dux  vitae  mortuus, 
Regnat  vivus. 


*  Die  nobis,  Maria, 
Quid  vidisti  in  via? 
Sepulchrum  Christi  viventis, 
Et  gloriam  vidi  resurgentis. 


^Angelicos  testes, 
Sudarium  et  vestes. 
Surrexit  Christus  spes  mea: 
Praecedet  vos  in  Galilaeam. 


'Scimus  Christum  surrexisse 
A  mortuis  vere: 
Tu  nobis,  victor 
Rex,  miserere. 
Amen.    Alleluja. 


Christ,  the  Victim  undefiled, 
Man  to  God  hath  reconciled; 
When  in  strange  and  awful  strife 
Met  together  Death  and  Life; 
Christians,  on  this  happy  day 
Haste  with  joy  your  vows  to  pay. 
Christ  the  Lord  is  risen  on  high; 
Now  He  lives,  no  more  to  die. 

Say,  0  wond'ring  Mary,  say 
What  thou  sawest  on  thy  way. 
"I  beheld,  where  Christ  had  lain, 
Empty  tomb  and  Angels  twain; 
I  beheld  the  glory  bright 
Of  the  risen  Lord  of  light: 
Christ  my  hope  is  risen  again; 
Now  He  lives,  and  lives  to  reign." 

Christ,  who  once  for  sinners  bled, 
Now  the  first-born  from  the  dead. 
Throned    in    endless    might    and 

power. 
Lives  and  reigns  forevermore. 
Hail,  eternal  hope  on  high! 
Hail,  Thou  King  of  victory! 
Hail,  Thou  Prince  of  Life  adored ! 
Help  and  save  us,  gracious  Lord. 


AttthoR!  Ascribed  to  Wipo,  11th  cent.  Transla- 
tion by  Jane  E.  Leeson.  There  are  about  twenty-five  trans- 
lations, three  of  which  are  in  the  Annus  Sanctus.  Liturgical 
Use:  Sequence  in  the  Mass  daily  from  Easter  Sunday  to 
Low  Sunday  inclusive.  For  the  structure,  the  history,  and 
the  development  of  this  species  of  hymn,  read  the  article  on 
Prose  or  Sequence,  in  the  Cath.  Encycl.  The  same  work  con- 
tains a  well  written  article  on  the  Victims  PaschaU.  Read 
also  the  article  on  Lamb,  Paschal.  No  hymns  occur  in  the 
Divine  Office  during  the  last  three  days  of  Holy  Week  nor 
during  Easter  week. 

The  beautiful  Paschal  sequence  sings  the  praises  of  the 
risen  Christ.  For  the  purpose  of  treatment  it  may  be  di- 
vided into  two  parts.  The  first  part  consists  of  an  exhorta- 

142 


EASTERTIDE 

tion  to  all  Christians  to  offer  sacrifices  of  praise  to  Christ, 
the  true  Paschal  Lamb,  the  Sinless  One,  who  by  His  immola- 
tion on  the  Cross  reconciles  sinners  to  His  Father.  Death 
and  Life  engage  in  a  most  unusual  combat;  the  Prince  of 
Life  dies,  but  by  His  very  death  He  triumphs  and  now 
reigns  in  glory.  The  second  part  is  in  the  form  of  a  dialogue. 
Mary  Magdalene  is  appealed  to  as  a  witness  of  the  Resur- 
rection, and  she  testifies: — **I  saw  the  sepulcher  of  the  liv- 
ing Christ,  the  glory  of  the  risen  Lord,  the  witness-angels 
at  the  tomb,  the  napkin  and  the  winding-sheet."  Then  in 
an  ecstasy  of  joy  she  proclaims  to  the  Apostles :  * '  Christ  my 
hope  is  risen  and  He  shall  go  before  you  into  Galilee."  It 
concludes  with  a  testimonial  of  our  belief  in  the  Resurrec- 
tion and  with  a  petition  for  mercy.  The  history  of  the 
Resurrection  is  told  in  John  20 ;  read  also  the  beginning  of 
Matt.  28;  Mark  16;  Luke  24. 

1.  ''To  the  Paschal  Victim,  let  Christians  offer  the  sac- 
rifice of  praise." 

2.  * '  The  Lamb  hath  redeemed  the  sheep ;  Christ  the  Sin- 
less One  hath  reconciled  sinners  to  His  Father." 

3.  ''Death  and  Life  contended  in  a  wondrous  encounter: 
the  Prince  of  Life  died  indeed,  but  now  reigns  living. '  * 

4.  "Tell  us,  Mary,  what  sawest  thou  on  the  way?  I  saw 
the  sepulcher  of  the  living  Christ,  I  saw  the  glory  of  Him 
that  had  risen. ' ' 

5.  "I  saw  the  angelic  witnesses,  the  napkin  and  the  linen 
cloths.  Christ,  my  hope,  hath  risen :  He  shall  go  before  you 
into  Galilee." 

6.  "We  know  in  truth  that  Christ  hath  risen  from  the 
dead:  Thou,  0  victorious  King,  have  mercy  on  us."  Vic- 
timcB  Paschali:  cf.  Exodus  12-13.  Duello  =  bello.  Conflix- 
erunt,  fought,  contended.  Maria :  Mary  Magdalene,  to  whom 
Our  Lord  first  appeared  after  His  resurrection. 

The  following  is  Robert  Campbell's  translation  of  the 
Victimce  Paschali.  Note  the  striking  difference  between  this 
translation  and  Miss  Leeson's  translation  above.  The  dif- 
ference is  due  to  the  meter.  The  two  translations  illustrate 
the  hurried  pace  of  the  trochee  and  the  stately  tread  of  the 
iambus. 


143 


PROPER  OF  THE  SEASON 
59B  VictimcB  Paschali 

THE  holy  Paschal  work  is  wrought, 
The  Victim's  praise  be  told, 
The  loving  Shepherd  back  hath  brought 

The  sheep  into  His  fold: 
The  Just  and  Innocent  was  slain 
To  reconcile  to  God  again. 

Death  from  the  Lord  of  life  hath  fled — 
The  conflict  strange  is  o'er; 

Behold,  He  liveth  that  was  dead. 
And  lives  forevermore: 

Mary,  thou  soughtest  Him  that  day; 

Tell  what  thou  sawest  on  the  way. 

*'I  saw  the  empty  cavern's  gloom, 
The  garments  of  the  prison. 

The  Angel-guardians  of  the  tomb. 
The  glory  of  the  Risen." 

We  know  that  Christ  hath  burst  the  grave, 

Then,  victor  King,  Thy  people  save. 


60 


Ad  regias  Agni  dapes 


AD  regias  Agni  dapes, 
Stolis  araicti  candidis, 
Post  transitum  Maris  rubri, 
Christo  canamus  Principi: 


^Divina  cujus  caritas 
Sacrum  propinat  sanguinem, 
Almique  membra  corporis 
Amor  sacerdos   immolat. 


Sparsum  cruorera  postibus 
Vastator  horret  Angelus: 
Fugitque  divisum  mare: 
Merguntur  hostes   fluctibus. 


A  T  the   Lamb's   high   feast  we 
•^^       sing 

Praise  to  our  victorious  King, 
Who  hath  washed  us  in  the  tide 
Flowing  from  His  pierced  side. 

Praise  we  Him  whose  love  divine 
Gives   the   guests   His   Blood   for 

wine, 
Gives  His  Body  for  the  feast. 
Love  the  victim,  love  the  priest. 

Where     the     Paschal     blood     is 

poured. 
Death's  dark  Angel   sheathes  his 

sword; 
Israel's  hosts  triumphant  go 
Through  the  wave  that  drowns  the 

foe. 


144 


EASTERTIDE 


*  Jam  Pascha  nostrum  Christus  est, 
Paschalis  idem  victima, 
Et  pura  puris  mentibus 
Sinceritatis  azyma. 


'O  vera  cceli  victima, 
Sub j acta  cui  sunt  tartara, 
Soluta  mortis  vincula, 
Recepta  vitae  praemia. 


'Victor  subactis  inferis 
Trophaea  Christus  explicat, 
Cceloque  aperto,  subditum 
Regem  tenebrarum  trahit. 

^Ut  sis  perenne  mentibus 
Paschale  Jesu  gaudium, 
A  morte  dira  criminum 
Vitae  renatos  libera. 

^Deo  Patri  sit  gloria, 
Et  Filio,  qui  a  mortuis 
Surrexit,  ac  Paraclito, 
In  sempiterna  saecula. 


Christ,  the  Lamb  whose  Blood  was 

shed, 
Paschal* victim.  Paschal  bread; 
With  sincerity  and  love 
Eat  we  manna  from  above. 

Mighty  Victim  from  the  sky, 
Powers  of  hell  beneath  Thee  lie; 
Death  is  conquered  in  the  fight; 
Thou    hast   brought   us    life    and 
light. 

Now  Thy  banner  Thou  dost  wave; 
Vanquished  Satan  and  the  grave; 
Angels  join  His  praise  to  tell — 
See  o'erthrown  the  prince  of  hell. 

Paschal  triumph,   Paschal   joy. 
Only  sin  can  this  destroy; 
From  the  death  of  sin  set  free. 
Souls  re-born,  dear  Lord,  in  Thee. 

Hymns  of  glory,  songs  of  praise. 
Father,  unto  Thee  we  raise; 
Risen  Lord,  all  praise  to  Thee, 
Ever  with  the  Spirit  be. 


Author:  Ambrosian,  7th  cent.  Meter:  Iambic  dimeter. 
Translation  by  Robert  Campbell.  There  are  about  thirty 
translations.  First  line  of  Original  Text:  Ad  coenam  Agni 
providi.  Liturgical  Use  :  Vespers  hymn  from  Low  Sunday 
to  Ascension  Day.  This  hymn  was  greatly  altered  by  the  re- 
visers under  Urban  VIII  (1632) ;  only  three  lines  remained 
unaltered.  There  are  ten  translations  of  this  hymn  in  Mr. 
Shipley's  Annus  Sanctus,  both  texts  being  represented.  Of 
the  translations  of  the  Roman  Breviary  Text,  Mr.  Camp- 
bell's is  more  extensively  used  than  all  others  combined.  It 
is  not  so  literal  as  some  other  translations,  but  it  is  a  hymn 
of  great  beauty,  and  it  is  not  surprising  that  it  is  found  in 
so  many  hymn  books. 

In  the  Ad  regias  Agni  dapes,  there  is  reference  to  the 
ancient  custom  of  administering  to  catechumens  the  sac- 
raments of  Baptism  and  Holy  Communion.  Originally  there 
was  no  Mass  on  Holy  Saturday  proper.  The  long  but  beau- 

145 


PROPER  OF  THE  SEASON 

tiful  ceremonies  began  Saturday  evening  and  lasted 
throughout  the  night.  The  Litany  and  Mass  were  sung  to- 
wards morning.  During  Mass  the  neophytes,  vested  in 
beautiful  white  robes  {stolce  alhce),  were  admitted  for  the 
first  time  to  the  "banquet  of  the  Lamb,"  i.e.,  to  the 
Eucharistic  table.  The  white  garments  were  worn  during 
the  week  following  Easter,  and  on  Low  Sunday  the  newly 
baptized  appeared  for  the  first  time  without  their  white 
robes.  It  is  for  this  reason  that  Low  Sunday  is  known  in 
the  language  of  the  Church  as  Dommica  in  Albis  {de- 
positis),  i.e.,  the  Sunday  on  which  the  newly  baptized  ap- 
peared after  laying  aside  their  white  baptismal  robes. 

Read  the  articles  on  Catechumen,  Holy  Saturday,  Bap- 
tism (esp.  part  XV),  Red  Sea  (esp.  the  last  paragraph),  in 
the  Cath.  Encycl. 

1.  '^  After  the  passage  of  the  Red  Sea,  clothed  in  white 
robes  at  the  royal  banquet  of  the  Lamb,  let  us  sing  to 
Christ  our  King."  Stolis:  The  stole  was  originally  a  long, 
beautiful,  flowing  outer  garment.  Maris  rubri:  The  Red  Sea 
is  a  symbol  of  Baptism.  Et  omnes  in  Moyse  baptizati  sunt 
in  nube  et  in  mari  (I  Cor.  10,  2).  Under  the  leadership  of 
Moses,  who  was  a  figure  of  Christ,  the  Jews  received  Bap- 
tism in  figure  by  their  passage  through  the  Red  Sea.  Thus 
also  by  eating  of  the  manna,  they  partook  in  figure  of  the 
Eucharistic  manna  (cf.  Exodus  13).  The  following  is  Father 
Husenbeth's  translation  of  this  stanza: 

Come  to  the  regal  feast  displayed. 
In  robes  of  purest  white  arrayed, 
The  Red  Sea's  threatening  perils  past, 
And  sing  to  Christ  secure  at  last. 

2.  ''His  divine  charity  gives  us  His  sacred  Blood  to 
drink;  and  love,  as  priest,  immolates  the  members  of  His 
august  Body. ' ' 

3.  **The  destroying  Angel  sees  with  awe  the  blood  upon 
the  door-posts :  the  sea  divided  flees,  the  foe  is  overwhelmed 
by  the  waters."  The  sprinkling  of  the  door-posts  of  the 
Israelites  with  the  blood  of  the  Paschal  Lamb,  to  preserve 
them  from  the  sword  of  the  destroying  Angel,  is  a  figure  of 
our  redemption  by  the  Blood  of  Him  whom  the  Paschal 

146 


EASTERTIDE 

Lamb  prefigured  (cf.  Ex.  12,  22-23).    Divisum  mare:  (cf. 
Ex.  14,  22-31). 

4.  "Now  Christ  is  our  Pasch,  and  the  same  is  our 
Paschal  victim,  and  the  pure  unleavened  bread  of  sincerity 
for  pure  souls."  Victima  paschaliSfFaschalljamb.  Itaque 
epulemur,  nori  in  f ermento  veteri,  neque  in  fermento  malitiae 
et  nequitiae,  sed  in  azymis  sinceritatis  et  veritatis  (I  Cor. 
5,  8).  Leaven  is  a  symbol  of  corruption,  hence  of  sin:  un- 
leavened bread  is  symbolical  of  purity  and  of  freedom  from 
corruption. 

5.  ''0  true  Victim  of  heaven,  by  whom  hell  was  van- 
quished, the  bonds  of  death  were  broken,  and  the  rewards 
of  life  regained. ' '  Cui  =  a  quo :  in  the  passive,  this  use  of 
the  dative  is  quite  common. 

6.  ''Hell  having  been  subdued,  Christ  as  victor  displays 
His  trophies;  and,  heaven  opened.  He  drags  behind  Him 
the  vanquished  king  of  darkness."   Trahit  (post  se). 

7.  ''That  Thou,  0  Jesus,  mayest  be  an  everlasting 
Paschal  joy  to  our  hearts,  deliver  us  re-born  to  life,  from  a 
dire  death  of  sin. ' ' 


61 


Rex  sempiterne  cwlitum 


REX  sempiterne  coelitum, 
Rerum  Creator  omnium, 
y^qualis  ante  saecula 
Semper  Parent!  Filius. 


^Nascente  qui  mundo  Faber 
Imaginem  vultus  tui 
Tradens  Adamo,  nobilem 
Limo  jugasti  spiritum. 


'Cum  livor  et  fraus  daemonis 
Foedasset  humanum  genus: 


OTHOU,  the  heavens'  eternal 
King, 
Creator,  unto  Thee  we  sing. 
With  God  the  Father  ever  One, 
Co-equal,  co-eternal  Son. 

Thy  hand,   when   first  the   world 

began, 
Made  in   Thine   ovv'n   pure  image 

man. 
And  linked  to  Adam,  sprung  from 

earth, 
A  living  soul  of  heavenly  birth. 

And   when   by   craft  the   envious 

foe 
Had    marred    Thy    noblest    work 

below, 


147 


PROPER  OF  THE  SEASON 


Tu  carne  amictus,  perditam 
Formam  reformas  Artifex. 


*  Qui  natus  olim  e  Virgine, 
Nunc  e  sepulcro  nasceris 
Tecumque  nos  a  mortuis 
Jubes  sepultos  surgere. 


''Qui  pastor  aeternus  gregem 
Aqua  lavas  Baptismatis: 
Haec  est  lavacrum  mentium; 
Haec  est  sepulcrum  criminum. 


®  Nobis  diu  qui  debitae 
Redemptor  affixus  Cruci, 
Nostrae  dedisti  prodigus 
Pretium  salutis  sanguinem. 

^Ut  sis  perenne  mentibus 
Paschale,  Jesu,  gaudium, 
A  morte  dira  criminum 
Vitae  renatos  libera. 


'Deo  Patri  sit  gloria, 
Et  Filio,  qui  a  mortuis 
Surrexit,  ac  Paraclito, 
In  sempiterna  saecula. 


Clothed  in  our  flesh,  Thou  didst 

restore 
The     image    Thou    hadst    made 

before. 

Once  wast  Thou  born  of  Mary's 

womb; 
And  now,  new-born  from  out  the 

tomb, 
0    Christ,    Thou    bidd'st    us    rise 

with  Thee 
From  death  to  immortality. 

Eternal  Shepherd,  Thou  dost  lave 
Thy     flock     in     pure     baptismal 

wave — 
That  mystic  bath,  that  grave   of 

sin, 
Where   ransomed   souls  new   life 

begin. 

Redeemer,  Thou  for  us  didst  deign 
To  hang  upon  the  Cross  of  pain, 
And  give  for  us  the  lavish  price 
Of  Thine  own  Blood  in  sacrifice. 

Grant,  Lord,  in  Thee  each  faithful 

mind 
Unceasing  Paschal  joy  may  find; 
And  from  the  death  of  sin  set  free 
Souls  newly  born  to  life  by  Thee. 

To  Thee,  once  dead,  who  now  dost 

live. 
All  glory.  Lord,  Thy  people  give. 
Whom,  with  the  Father,  we  adore, 
And  Holy  Ghost  forevermore. 


Author:  Ambrosian,  6th  cent.  Meter:  Iambic  dimeter. 
Translation  a  cento.  There  are  ten  translations.  Lit- 
urgical Use  :  Matins  liymn  from  Low  Sunday  till  Ascension 
Day.  This  hymn  is  a  revision  of  the  Original  Text,  Rex 
ceterne  Domine,  the  first  line  of  which  was,  in  the  revision 
of  1568,  altered  to  Rex  sempiterne  Domine  (Benedictine 
Breviary  Text) ;  this  in  turn  was  altered  in  1632  to  the 

148 


EASTERTIDE 

Roman  Breviary  Text,  Rex  sempiterne  ccelitum.  In  its  orig- 
inal form,  it  contained  sixteen  stanzas.  It  is  mentioned  in 
the  Rule  of  Aurelianus  of  Aries  (d.  555)  and  by  St.  Bede 
(d.  735)  in  his  De  Arte  Metrica. 

1.  ''0  eternal  King  of  the  blessed.  Creator  of  all  things, 
Son  ever  equal  to  the  Father,  before  all  ages : ' '  The  hymn 
is  addressed  to  the  Son  by  whom  all  things  were  made  (cf. 
John  1,  1-14;  Col.  1,12-22).   Coelitum,  from  codes,  itis. 

2.  ' '  Who  as  Creator,  when  the  world  was  made,  didst  be- 
stow upon  Adam  the  image  of  Thy  countenance,  and  didst 
yoke  a  noble  spirit  with  the  slime  of  the  earth."  Imago: 
Faciamus  hominem  ad  imaginem  et  similitudinem  nostram 
(Gen.  1,  26).  Formavit  igitur  Dominus  Deus  hominem  de 
limo  terrae,  et  inspiravit  in  faciem  ejus  spiraculum  vitae,  et 
f actus  est  homo  in  animam  viventem  (Gen.  2,  7). 

3.  ' '  When  the  envy  and  deception  of  the  devil  had  disfig- 
ured the  human  race.  Thou,  the  Maker,  clothed  in  flesh 
didst  restore  the  lost  form."  Formam,  beauty.  Livor  = 
invidia,  envy,  malice. 

4.  ''As  Thou  wast  once  born  of  a  Virgin,  so  art  Thou 
now  born  from  the  tomb ;  and  Thou  dost  bid  us  buried  with 
Thee,  to  arise  from  the  dead."     (cf.  Rom.  6,  4.) 

5.  * '  Thou  art  the  eternal  Shepherd  who  dost  cleanse  Thy 
flock  in  the  waters  of  Baptism:  that  is  the  laver  of  souls, 
that  is  the  sepulcher  of  sin."  The  purification  of  the  soul 
by  washing  is  a  common  figure  in  the  Old  Testament. 
Amplius  lava  me  ab  iniquitate  mea :  et  a  peccato  meo  munda 
me  (Ps.  50,  4). 

6.  "As  Redeemer  fastened  to  the  Cross,  which  was  long 
our  due,  Thou  didst  lavishly  give  Thy  Blood  as  the  price 
of  our  salvation."  Debitcs  agrees  with  cruci;  on  account  of 
our  sins,  the  Cross  (i.e.,  crucifixion)  was  long  and  justly  due 
us. 

7.  ''That  Thou,  0  Jesus,  mayest  be  an  everlasting 
Paschal  joy  to  our  hearts,  deliver  us  re-born  to  life,  from  a 
dire  death  of  sin. ' ' 


149 


62 


PROPER  OF  THE  SEASON 
Aurora  ccelum  purpurat 


AURORA  coelum  purpurat, 
i^ther  resultat  laudibus, 
Mundus  triumphans  jubilat, 
Horrens  avernus  inf remit: 


^Rex  ille  dum  fortissimus 
De  mortis  inferno  specu 
Patrum  senatum  liberum 
Educit  ad  vitae  jubar. 


'Cujus  sepulchrum  plurimo 
Custode  signabat  lapis, 
Victor  triumphat,  et  suo 
Mortem  sepulchro  funerat. 


*Sat  funeri,  sat  lacrimis, 
Sat  est  datum  doloribus: 
Surrexit  exstinctor  necis, 
Clamat  coruscans  Angelus. 


'Ut  sis  perenne  mentibus 
Paschale  Jesu  gaudium, 
A  morte  dira  criminum 
VitSB  renatos  libera. 


•Deo  Patri  sit  gloria, 
Et  Filio,  qui  a  mortuis 
Surrexit,  ac  Paraclito, 
In  sempiterna  saecula. 


THE    morn    had    spread    her 
crimson  rays. 
When  rang  the  skies  with  shouts 

of  praise; 
Earth  joined  the  joyful  hymn  to 

swell, 
That    brought    despair    to    van- 
quished hell. 

He    comes    victorious    from    the 

grave, 
The  Lord  omnipotent  to  save, 
And  brings  with  Him  to  light  of 

day 
The  Saints  who  long  imprisoned 

lay. 

Vain    is    the    cavern's    three-fold 

ward — 
The    stone,    the    seal,    the    armed 

guard ; 
O  death,  no  more  thine  arm  we 

fear, 
The  Victor's  tomb  is  now  thy  bier. 

Let  hymns  of  joy  to  grief  succeed, 
We    know    that    Christ    is    risen 

indeed; 
We  hear  His  white-robed  Angel's 

voice. 
And  in  our  risen  Lord  rejoice. 

With  Christ  we  died,  with  Christ 

we  rose, 
When   at  the  font  His  name  we 

chose; 
Dh,  let  not  sin  our  robes  defile. 
And   turn    to    grief   the    Paschal 

smile. 

To  God  the  Father  let  us  sing. 
To  God  the  Son,  our  risen  King, 
And  equally  let  us  adore 
The  Spirit,  God  forevermore. 


150 


EASTERTIDE 

Author:  Ambrosian,  4th  or  5th  cent.  Meter:  Iambic 
dimeter.  Translation  by  Robert  Campbell.  Liturgical 
Use:  Hymn  at  Lauds  from  Low  Sunday  to  the  Ascension. 
In  its  complete  form  this  hymn  comprises  forty-four  lines. 
For  Breviary  use  it  is  divided  into  three  parts.  These 
parts  are  given  here  as  Hymns  62,  63  and  64.  In  each 
hymn  the  stanza  beginning  Tu  sis  perennis  mentium  and 
the  doxology  form  no  part  of  the  original  hymn.  The 
hymn  was  greatly  altered  by  the  revisers  under  Urban 
VIII  (1632).  The  first  lines  of  the  three  parts  of  the 
Original  Text  and  of  the  Roman  Breviary  Text  are  as 
follows ; 

Roman  Breviary  Text  Original  Text 

62  Aurora  caelum  purpurat  Aurora  lucis  rutilat 

63  Tristes  erant  Apostoli  Tristes  erant  Apostoli 

64  Paschale  mundo  gaudium  Claro  Paschali  gaudio 

Including  both  texts,  there  are  twenty-seven  translations 
of  No.  62 ;  there  are  about  fifteen  translations  each  of  the 
Nos.  63  and  64.  The  Annus  Sanctus  contains  four  transla- 
tions, one  of  which  is  from  the  Original  Text.  It  also  con- 
tains two  translations  of  Sermone  blando  angelus,  which  be- 
gins with  the  sixth  stanza  of  the  Original  Text.  There  is  an 
article  on  Aurora  lucis  rutilat  in  the  Cath.  Encycl.  It  is 
worthy  of  note  that  this  is  the  only  instance  in  the  Cath. 
Encycl.  in  which  the  first  line  of  the  Original  Text  is  used 
as  a  title  instead  of  the  first  line  of  the  Revised  Text  of 
Urban  VIII — the  Roman  Breviary  Text.  Liturgical  Use: 
No.  62  is  the  hymn  for  Lauds  from  Low  Sunday  to  the 
Ascension.  No.  63  is  assigned  to  Vespers  and  Matins,  and 
No.  64  to  Lauds,  in  the  Common  Office  of  Apostles  and 
Evangelists  during  Paschal  Time. 

1.  *'The  dawn  is  purpling  the  sky;  the  air  resounds  with 
hymns  of  praise;  the  exulting  earth  shouts  for  joy;  trem- 
bling hell  rages. ' ' 

2.  ''While  He  the  almighty  King  leads  forth  the  liber- 
ated host  of  the  fathers  from  the  darksome  cavern  of  death 
to  the  light  of  life. ' '  Inferno  specu  =  Limbo.  There  is  an 
article  on  Limbo  in  the  Cath.  Encycl.  Senatus,  a  council  of 
elders  j  a  body  of  venerable  and  distinguished  persons  such 

151 


PROPER  OF  THE  SEASON 

as  the  patriarchs,  prophets,  etc.,  who  awaited  in  Limbo  the 
coming  of  the  Messias. 

3.  ''Whose  sepulcher,  surrounded  by  an  ample  guard,  a 
stone  seals ;  (nevertheless)  as  a  conqueror  He  triumphs,  and 
He  buries  death  in  His  own  sepulcher. ' '  Illi  autem  abeuntes 
munierunt  sepulchrum,  signantes  lapidem  cum  custodibus 
(Matt.  27,  66).  Absorpta  est  mors  in  victoria.  Ubi  est,  mors, 
victoria  tuaf  Ubi  est,  mors,  stimulus  tuus?  ( I  Cor.  15, 
54-55). 

4.  "Enough  of  death,  enough  of  tears,  enough  of  sor- 
rows! The  conqueror  of  death  has  risen,  the  resplendent 
Angel  cries."  Sat  =  satis:  Enough  time  have  ye  given  to 
death,  to  weeping  and  to  sorrows.  Exstinctor,  destroyer, 
annihilator. 

5.  ''That  Thou,  0  Jesus,  mayest  be  the  everlasting 
Paschal  joy  of  our  hearts,  deliver  us  re-born  to  life,  from 
a  dire  death  of  sin." 


63 


Tristes  erant  Apostoli 


TRISTES  erant  Apostoli 
De  Christi  acerbo  funere, 
Quera  morte  crudelissima 
Servi  necarant  impii. 


^Sermone  verax  Angelus 
Mulieribus  praedixerat: 
Mox  ore  Christus  gaudium 
Gregi  feret  fidelium. 


'Ad  anxios  Apostolos 
Currunt  statim  dum  nuntiae, 
Illae  micantis  obvia 
Christi  tenent  vestigia. 


WHILE       Christ's       disciples, 
grieving,  sad, 
Their     Master's     painful     death 

deplore, 
Whom    faithless    servants'    cruel 

hands, 
Had  bathed  in  His  own  crimson 
gore; 

Quick    from    the    happy    realms 

above. 
An  Angel  comes  on  joyful  wing, 
And  to  the  women  tells  the  joy 
That  to  His  flock  their  Lord  will 

bring. 

As  they   with   eager   steps  make 

haste, 
Their  joyous  message  to  repeat, 
Their  Master's  glorious  form  they 

see, 
And  falling  clasp  His  sacred  feet. 


152 


EASTERTIDE 


*  Galilseas  ad  alta  montium 
Se  conferunt  Apostoli, 
Jesuque,  voti  compotes, 
Almo  beantur  lumine. 


^Ut  sis  perenne  mentibus 
Paschale  Jesu  gaudium; 
A  morte  dira  criniinum 
Vitae  renatos  libera. 


'Dec  Patri  sit  gloria, 
Et  Filio,  qui  a  mortuis 
Surrexit,   ac  Paraclito, 
In  sempiterna  saecula. 


Cheered  by  this  tale,  His  faithful 

flock 
The  Galilean  mount  ascend. 
And  there  with  loving  awe  behold 
Their    heart's    sole    wish,    their 
truest  friend. 

That  Thou  mayst  be  our  Paschal 

joy 
Through      happy,      never-ending 

years. 
Thine   own    poor   children,   Jesu, 

free 
From  sin's  sad  death  with  all  its 

fears. 

To  God  the  Father,  and  the  Son, 
Who  rose  from  death,  glad  praisQ 

repeat; 
Let  equal  praise  be  ever  sung 
To  God  the  Holy  Paraclete. 


This  is  a  continuation  of  the  preceding  hymn.  Transla- 
tion by  Father  Potter.  Liturgical  Use  :  Hymn  for  Vespers 
and  Matins  in  the  Common  Office  of  Apostles  and  Evangel- 
ists in  Eastertide. 

1.  ''The  Apostles  were  sad  over  the  bitter  interment  of 
Christ,  whom  impious  servants  had  slain  by  a  most  cruel 
death."  Servi  impii,  the  Jews. 

2.  ''The  Angel,  truthful  in  speech,  had  foretold  to  the 
women :  '  Soon  by  word  of  mouth  shall  Christ  bring  joy  to 
the  flock  of  the  faithful.'  "  Respondens  autem  Angelus 
dixit  mulieribus :  Nolite  timere  vos :  scio  enim,  quod  Jesum, 
qui  crucifixus  est,  quaeritis.  Non  est  hie ;  surrexit  enim  sicut 
dixit  (Matt.  28,  5-6). 

3.  "While  they  forthwith  as  messengers  are  hastening  to 
the  anxious  Apostles,  they  clasp  the  feet  of  the  radiant 
Christ  meeting  them  on  the  way. ' '  Vestigia,  lit.,  footsteps, 
footprints :  obvia  agrees  with  vestigia.  Et  exierunt  cito  de 
monumento  cum  timore  et  gaudio  magno,  currentes  nun- 
tiare  discipulis  ejus.  Et  ecce  Jesus  occurrit  illis,  dicens: 
Avete.  IllaB  autem  accesserunt,  et  tenuerunt  pedes  ejus,  et 
adoraverunt  eum  (Matt.  28,  8-9). 

153 


PROPER  OF  THE  SEASON 

4.  '*To  the  mountain  heights  of  Galilee  the  Apostles  be- 
take themselves:  and  their  wish  is  fulfilled;  they  are  made 
happy  by  the  kindly  light  of  Jesus."  Ad  alta  montium  = 
ad  altos  montes.  Altum,  i,  a  height.  Undecim  autem  dis- 
cipuli  abierunt  in  Galilaeam  in  montem,  ubi  constituerat  illis 
Jesus  (Matt.  28, 16). 

5.  ^'That  Thou,  0  Jesus,  mayest  be  an  everlasting 
Paschal  joy  to  our  hearts,  deliver  us  re-born  to  life,  from  a 
dire  death  of  sin." 


64 


Paschale  mundo  gaudium 


PASCHALE  mundo  gaudium 
Sol  nuntiat  formosior. 
Cum  luce  fulgentem  nova 
Jesmn  vident  Apostoli. 


w 


ITH  the  fair  sun  of  Easter 


morn 

The  world's  excelling  joy  is  born, 
When,  bright  with  new  and  greater 

grace, 
The    Apostles    see    the    Saviour's 

face. 


^In  carne  Christi  vulnera 
Micare  tamquam  sidera 
Mirantur,  et  quidquid  vident 
Testes  fideles  prsedicant. 


They  in  their  Lord's  fair  flesh 
descry 

The  wounds  that  shine  as  stars  on 
high, 

And,  wondering,  faithful  witness 
bear. 

And  all  that  they  have  seen  de- 
clare. 


^  Rex  Christe  clementissime, 
Tu  corda  nostra  posside: 
Ut  lingua  grates  debitas 
Tuo  rependat  nomini. 


*Ut  sis  perenne  mentibus 
Paschale  Jesu  gaudium; 
A  morte  dira  criminum 
Vitae  renatos  libera. 


0  Christ,  most  loving  King,  we 
pray, 

Possess  our  inmost  hearts  to-day, 

While  grateful  lips  with  glad  ac- 
claim 

Sing  fervent  praises  to  Thy  Name. 

Lord  Jesu,  that  Thou  mayest  be 

Our  Easter  joy  eternally, 

Our  souls  from  death  of  sin  set 

free 
That  they,  new  born,  may  live  to 

Thee, 


154 


EASTERTIDE 

^  Deo  Patri  sit  gloria,  To  God  the  Father,  and  the  Son, 

Et  Filio,  qui  a  mortuis  From     death    arisen,    praise    be 

Surrexit,  ac  Paraclito,  done: 

In  sempiterna  saecula.  With  God  the  Holy  Ghost  on  high 

Henceforth  to  all  eternity. 

This  is  a  continuation  of  the  two  preceding  hymns. 
Translation  by  Alan  G.  McDougall.  Liturgical  Use: 
Hymn  for  Lauds  in  the  Common  Office  of  Apostles  and 
Evangelists  in  Eastertide. 

1.  **A  more  beauteous  sun  proclaims  to  the  world  the 
joys  of  Easter,  when  the  Apostles  behold  Jesus  resplendent 
with  a  new  light. ' '  The  ' '  new  light ' '  is  that  which  emanates 
from  His  glorified  body.  The  sun  is  now  "more  beauteous" 
for  at  His  death  it  was  darkened. 

2.  "They  wonder  to  see  the  wounds  in  the  flesh  of 
Christ  shine  like  stars,  and  what  they  see,  as  faithful  wit- 
nesses, they  proclaim."  Vulnera:  That  the  marks  of  the 
nails  and  spear  were  plainly  visible  in  the  glorified  body  of 
Christ  is  evident  from  the  testimony  of  St.  Thomas  (cf. 
John  20,  27-28). 

3.  "0  Christ,  King  most  merciful,  possess  Thou  our 
hearts,  that  our  tongues  may  return  due  thanks  to  Thy 
Name. ' ' 

4.  "That  Thou,  0  Jesus,  mayest  be  the  everlasting 
Paschal  joy  of  our  hearts,  deliver  us  re-born  to  life,  from  a 
dire  death  of  sin." 


65  Salutis  humancB  Sator 

SALUTIS  humanse  Sator,  TITAIL,    Thou    who    man's    Re- 

Jesu,  voluptas  cordium,  -"--^      deemer  art, 

Orbis  redempti  Conditor,  Jesu,  the  joy  of  every  heart; 

Et  casta  lux  amantium:  Great  Maker  of  the  world's  wide 

frame, 
And    purest    love's    delight    and 
flame: 

''Qua  victus  es  dementia,  What  nameless  mercy  Thee  o'er- 

Ut  nostra  ferres  crimina?  came, 

To    bear    our    load    of    sin    and 
shame? 

155 


PROPER  OF  THE  SEASON 


Mortem  subires  innocens, 
A  morte  nos  ut  toUeres? 


^Perrumpis  infernum  chaos; 
Vinctis  catenas  detrahis; 
Victor  triumpho  nobili 
Ad  dexteram  Patris  sedes. 


*Te  cogat  indulgentia, 
Ut  damna  nostra  sarcias 
Tuique  vultus  compotes 
Dites  beato  lumine. 


^Tu  dux  ad  astra,  et  semita, 
Sis  meta  nostris  cordibus, 
Sis  lacrymarum  gaudimn, 
Sis  dulce  vitae  praemium. 


For  guiltless,  Thou  Thy  life  didst 

give, 
That    sinful    erring    man    might 

live. 

The  realms  of  woe  are  forced  by 

Thee, 
Its  captives  from  their  chains  set 

free; 
And   Thou,    amid   Thy   ransomed 

train, 
At  God's  right  hand  dost  victor 

reign. 

Let  mercy  sweet  with  Thee  prevail, 
To  cure  the  wounds  we  now  be- 
wail; 
Oh,  bless  us  with  Thy  holy  sight, 
And  fill  us  with  eternal  light. 

Our  guide,  our  way  to  heavenly 

rest. 
Be  Thou  the  aim  of  every  breast; 
Be  Thou  the  soother  of  our  tears, 
Our     sweet     reward     above     the 

spheres. 


Authoe:  Ambrosian,  7th  or  Sth  cent.  Meter:  Iambic 
dimeter.  Translation  by  Father  Potter.  First  line  of  Orig- 
inal Text:  Jesu  nostra  redemptio.  The  Annus  Sanctus  con- 
tains eight  translations  of  this  hymn,  both  texts  being  rep- 
resented. In  all  there  are  about  thirty  translations.  Lit- 
urgical Use:  Vespers  hymn  from  the  Ascension  to  Pente- 
cost. 

1.  '*0  Jesus,  Author  of  man's  salvation,  the  delight  of 
our  hearts,  the  Creator  of  the  world  redeemed,  and  chaste 
light  of  those  that  love  Thee."  Sator,  lit.,  a  sower,  planter: 
** Sower  of  Life's  immortal  seed." — Caswall. 

2.  ''By  what  mercy  wert  Thou  overcome  that  Thou 
wouldst  bear  our  sins,  and  innocent,  wouldst  suffer 
death  to  free  us  from  death?"  Ipse  autem  vulneratus  est 
propter  iniquitates  nostras,  attritus  est  propter  scelera 
nostra  (Is.  53,  5). 

3.  ' '  Thou  didst  break  open  the  lower  regions,  and  remove 

156 


EASTERTIDE 

the  chains  of  them  that  were  bound;  as  a  conqueror  in  a 
noble  triumph,  Thou  dost  now  sit  at  the  right  hand  of  the 
Father.^'  Infernum  chaos,  Limbo ;  '*He  descended  into  hell" 
(Creed).  Ad  dexteram  Patris  sedes:  Dixit  Dominus  Dom- 
ino meo:  sede  a  dextris  meis  (Ps.  109,  1;  Matt.  22,  44); 
Dominus  =  Pater;  Domino  =  Filio;  sede,  abide,  be.  The 
expression  ''sit  Thou  at  my  right  hand"  signifies  the  place 
of  highest  honor,  but  it  implies  no  particular  posture  of 
body. 

4.  ''May  Thy  mercy  constrain  Thee  to  repair  our  loss, 
and  in  the  contemplation  of  Thy  countenance,  mayest  Thou 
gladden  us  with  blessed  light."  Vultus  compotes,  partici- 
pating in  the  beatific  vision.  See  the  article  on  Beatific 
Vision,  and  Part  III  of  the  article  on  Heaven,  in  the  Cath. 
Encycl. 

5.  ' '  Thou  guide  and  way  to  heaven,  be  Thou  the  goal  of 
our  hearts,  our  joy  in  tears,  the  sweet  reward  of  life." 
Semita  =  via:  Ego  sum  via,  et  Veritas  et  vita  (John  14,  6). 


66 


/Eterne  Rex  altissime 


AETERNE  Rex  altissime, 
Redemptor  et  fidelium, 
Cui  mors  pererapta  detulit 
Summae  triumphum  gloriae. 


^Ascendis   orbes  siderum, 
Quo  te  vocabat  coelitus 
Collata,  non  humanitus, 
Rerum  potestas  omnium. 


^Ut  trina  rerum  machina, 
Coelestium,  terrestrium, 
Et  inferorum  condita, 
Flectat  genu  jam  subdita. 


ETERNAL  Monarch,  King  most 
High, 
Whose    Blood    hath    brought    re- 
demption nigh, 
By  whom  the  death  of  Death  was 

wrought, 
And    conquering     grace's    battle 
fought : 

Ascending  by  the  starry  road. 
This   day  Thou  wentest  home  to 

God, 
By    Heaven    to    power    unending 

called, 
And  by  no  human  hand  installed. 

That  so,  in  nature's  triple  frame, 

Each  heavenly   and   each   earthly 
name, 

And   things    in    hell's    abyss    ab- 
horred, 

May  bend  the  knee  and  own  Him 
Lord. 
157 


PROPER  OF  THE  SEASON 


*Tremunt  videntes  Angeli 
Versam  vicem  mortalium: 
Peccat  caro,  mundat  caro, 
Regnat  Deus  Dei  caro. 


'Sis  ipse  nostrum  gaudium, 
Manens  olympo  praemium, 
Mundi  regis  qui  fabricam, 
Mundana  vincens  gaudia. 


®Hinc  te  precantes  quaesumus, 
Ignosce  culpis  omnibus, 
Et  corda  sursum  subleva 
Ad  te  superna  gratia. 


^Ut  cum  repente  coeperis 
Clarere  nube  judicis, 
Poenas  repellas  debitas, 
Reddas  coronas  perditas. 


'Jesu,  tibi  sit  gloria, 
Qui  victor  in  coelum  redis, 
Cum  Patre,  et  almo  Spiritu, 
In  sempiterna  saecula. 


Yea,  Angels  tremble  when  they  see 
How  changed  is  our  humanity; 
That  Flesh  hath  purged  what  flesh 

had  stained, 
And  God,  the  flesh  of  God,  hath 

reigned. 

Be  Thou  our  joy,  0  mighty  Lord, 

As  Thou  wilt  be  our  great  re- 
ward; 

Earth's  joys  to  Thee  are  nothing 
worth, 

Thou  joy  and  crown  of  heaven 
and  earth. 

To  Thee  we  therefore  humbly  pray 
That  Thou  wouldst  purge  our  sins 

away. 
And  draw  our  hearts  by  cords  of 

grace 
To   Thy    celestial   dwelling-place. 

So  when  the  Judgment  day  shall 
come. 

And  all  must  rise  to  meet  their 
doom, 

Thou  wilt  remit  the  debts  we  owe. 

And  our  lost  crowns  again  be- 
stow. 

All  glory,  Lord,  to  Thee  we  pay, 
Ascending   o'er  the  stars  to-day; 
All  glory,  as  is  ever  meet, 
To  Father  and  to  Paraclete. 


Author  :  Ambrosian,  5th  cent.  Meter  :  Iambic  dimeter. 
Translation  by  J.  M.  Neale  and  others.  There  are  fifteen 
translations.  Liturgical  Use  :  Hymn  for  Matins  from  As- 
cension to  Pentecost. 

1.  **0  eternal  and  sovereign  King,  and  Redeemer  of  the 
faithful,  to  whom  the  annihilation  of  death  brought  a  tri- 
umph of  the  greatest  glory:" 

2.  *'Thou  didst  ascend  above  the  orbits  of  the  stars, 
whither  the  sovereignty  over  all  things  summoned  Thee, 
which  sovereignty  was  given  Thee  from  heaven,  not  by 

158 


WHITSUNTIDE 

men.**  Ccelitus,  adv.  from  above,  by  the  Father.    Data  est 
mihi  omnis  potestas  in  coelo  et  in  terra  (Matt.  28,  18). 

3.  "So  that  the  threefold  fabric  of  the  universe,  creatures 
{condita)  of  heaven,  of  earth,  and  of  hell,  may  now  in  sub- 
mission bend  the  knee  to  Thee."  Condita  ■=  creata.  Machina, 
order,  structure,  fabric,  kingdom.  Ut  in  nomine  Jesu  omne 
genu  flectatur  ccelestium,  terrestrium,  et  infernorum  (Phil. 
2,  10). 

4.  **The  Angels  tremble,  beholding  the  altered  lot  of 
mortals :  flesh  sinned.  Flesh  cleanses  from  sin,  the  God-Man 
reigns  as  God."  Dei  caro:  lit.,  "the  flesh  of  God  reigns  as 
God."  Vicem,  lot,  estate,  condition;  versam,  changed,  re- 
versed. 

5.  "Be  Thou  Thyself  our  joy,  our  abiding  reward  in 
heaven.  Thou  who,  surpassing  all  earthly  joys,  dost  rule 
over  the  fabric  of  the  universe. ' ' 

6.  ' '  Therefore,  praying  we  beseech  Thee,  pardon  all  our 
sins,  and  by  Thy  heavenly  grace  raise  aloft  our  hearts  to 
Thee." 

7.  "That  when  Thou  dost  unexpectedly  begin  to  shine  in 
splendor  on  a  cloud  as  judge.  Thou  mayest  remit  the  pun- 
ishments due,  and  restore  our  lost  crowns."  Et  tunc  vide- 
bunt  Filium  hominis  venientem  in  nube  cum  potestate 
magna,  et  majestate  (Luke  21,  27). 


WHITSUNTIDE 
67  Veni,  Sancte  Spiritus 

VENI,  Sancte  Spiritus,  H^^^  SPIRIT,  come  and  shine 

Et  emitte  ccelitus  '^-■- On    our    souls    with    beams 
Lucis  tuse  radium.  divine, 

Veni  pater  pauperum,  Issuing  from  Thy  radiance  bright. 

Veni  dator  munerum,  Come,  0  Father  of  the  poor, 

Veni  lumen  cordium.  Ever  bounteous  of  Thy  store, 

Come,  our  hearts'  unfailing  light. 

^Consolator  optime.  Come,  Consoler,  kindest,  best, 

Dulcis  hospes  animae,  Come,  our  bosom's  dearest  guest, 

Dulce  refrigerium.  Sweet  refreshment,  sweet  repose. 

159 


PROPER  OF  THE  SEASON 


In  labore  requies, 
In  aestu  temperies. 
In  fletu  solatium. 

^0  lux  beatissima, 
Reple  cordis  intima 
Tuorum  fidelium. 
Sine  tuo  numine, 
Nihil  est  in  homine. 
Nihil  est  innoxium. 


*Lava  quod  est  sordidum, 
Riga  quod  est  aridum, 
Sana  quod  est  saucium. 
Flecte  quod  est  rigidum, 
Fove  quod  est  frigidum, 
Rege  quod  est  devium. 


''Da  tuis  fidelibus, 
In  te  confidentibus, 
Sacrum  septenariura. 
Da  virtutis  meritiun, 
Da  salutis  exitum, 
Da  perenne  gaudium. 


Rest  in  labor,  coolness  sweet, 
Tempering  the  burning  heat, 
Truest  comfort  of  our  woes. 

0  divinest  light,  impart 
Unto  every  faithful  heart 
Plenteous     streams     from     love's 

bright  flood. 
But  for  Thy  blest  Deity, 
Nothing  pure  in  man   could  be; 
Nothing  harmless,  nothing  good. 

Wash  away  each  sinful  stain; 
Gently  shed  Thy  gracious  rain 
On  the  dry  and  fruitless  soul. 
Heal  each  wound  and  bend  each 

will, 
Warm  our  hearts  benumbed  and 

chill. 
All  our  wayward  steps  control. 

Unto  all  Thy  faithful  just, 
Who  in  Thee  confide  and  trust. 
Deign  the  sevenfold  gift  to  send. 
Grant  us  virtue's  blest  increase. 
Grant  a  death  of  hope  and  peace, 
Grant  the  joys  that  never  end. 


Author:  Probably  by  Pope  Innocent  III  (1161-1216). 
Meter  :  Trochaic  dimeter  catalectic.  Translation  by  Father 
Aylward,  O.P.  There  are  about  forty  translations ;  of  these 
Father  Caswall's  is  the  most  widely  used.  There  are  six 
translations  in  the  Annus  Sanctus.  Liturgical  Use:  Se- 
quence for  Whitsunday  and  throughout  the  octave.  In  me- 
dieval times  the  Veni  Sancte  Spiritus  was  known  as  ''The 
Golden  Sequence."  In  the  opinion  of  critics  it  is  justly  re- 
garded as  one  of  the  greatest  masterpieces  of  sacred  Latin 
poetry.  Trench  considers  it  the  loveliest  of  all  the  hymns  in 
the  whole  circle  of  sacred  Latin  poetry,  and  adds  that  it 
could  only  have  been  composed  by  one  who  had  been  ac- 
quainted with  many  sorrows,  and  also  with  many  consola- 
tions {Sacred  Latin  Poetry,  p.  195).  "The  Sequence  for 
Whitsunday,"  says  Dr.  Gihr,  ''can  have  come  but  from  a 
heart  wholly  inflamed  with  the  fire  of  the  Holy  Ghost.    It  is 

160 


WHITSUNTIDE 

an  incomparable  hymn,  breathing  of  the  sweetness  of  Para- 
dise, and  regaling  us  with  heaven's  sweetest  fragrance. 
Only  the  soul  buried  in  deep  recollection  can  suspect  and 
taste  the  wealth  of  deep  thought  and  affections  this  Pente- 
cost hymn  contains,  and  that,  too,  in  a  form  remarkable  as 
much  for  beauty  as  for  brevity"  {The  Holy  Sacrifice  of  the 
Mass,  p.  464).  There  is  an  article  on  the  Veni  Sancte 
Spiritus,  in  the  Cath.  Encycl. 

In  studying  this  hymn  the  richness  of  the  rhyme  is  deserv- 
ing of  special  note.  In  each  of  the  six-line  stanzas,  lines  1 
and  2,  3  and  6,  4  and  5  rhyme ;  and  every  third  line  through- 
out the  hymn  ends  in  ium. 

The  introductory  and  thrice  repeated  Veni  in  the  first 
stanza  is  expressive  of  the  intense  longing  of  a  world- 
buffeted,  sin-harried  soul  for  the  advent  of  the  "best  con- 
soler. ' '  The  similar  repetition  of  the  verb  Da  in  the  closing 
stanza  is  equally  expressive  of  earnestness  and  of  loving 
confidence  in  the  ''giver  of  gifts." 

1.  "Come  Holy  Spirit,  and  send  forth  from  heaven  the 
ray  of  Thy  light.  Come,  Father  of  the  poor;  come,  giver 
of  gifts;  come,  light  of  hearts."  Pater  pauperum,  i.e.,  the 
poor  in  spirit  (Matt.  5,  3)  who  may  either  be  destitute  of  the 
goods  of  this  world,  or  detached  from  them,  "as  having 
nothing,  and  possessing  all  things"  (II  Cor.  6,  10).  Dator 
munerum:  The  Holy  Spirit  is  the  dispenser  of  the  countless 
gifts  or  graces  which  Christ  merited  for  us. 

2.  "Thou  best  consoler,  sweet  guest  of  the  soul,  sweet 
coolness:  in  labor,  rest;  in  heat,  refreshment;  in  tears, 
solace."  Consolator,  the  Latin  rendering  of  the  Greek 
Paraclitus,  consoler,  comforter. 

3.  "0  most  blessed  Light,  fill  Thou  the  inmost  recesses 
of  the  hearts  of  Thy  faithful!  Without  Thy  divine  as- 
sistance there  is  nothing  in  man,  nothing  harmless." 

4.  "Cleanse  what  is  base,  bedew  what  is  parched,  heal 
what  is  wounded ;  bend  what  is  rigid,  warm  what  is  chilled, 
guide  what  is  astray."  Lava,  wash — by  Baptism  and 
Penance;  riga,  bedew  with  Thy  grace;  sana,  heal  what  is 
wounded  by  sin;  fleet e,  bend  what  is  fixed — the  stubborn 
will;  fove,  warm  what  is  cold — our  hearts;  rege,  guide 
sinners. 

161 


PROPER  OF  THE  SEASON 

5.  ''Give  to  Thy  faithful  confiding  in  Thee  Thy  sevenfold 
gifts.  Give  them  the  reward  of  virtue ;  give  them  the  death 
of  safety  (a  happy  death) ;  give  them  eternal  joy. ' '  Sacrum 
septenarium,  the  sacred  sevenfold  gifts,  viz.,  wisdom, 
understanding,  counsel,  fortitude,  knowledge,  piety,  and 
the  fear  of  the  Lord  (cf.  Is.  11,  2-3). 


68 


Veni  Creator  Spiritus 


VENI  Creator  Spiritus, 
Mentes  tuorum  visita, 
Imple  superna  gratia, 
Quae  tu  creasti  pectora. 


CREATOR-SPIRIT,  all-Divine, 
Come,    visit    every    soul    of 
Thine, 
And  fill  with  Thy  celestial  flame 
The   hearts   which   Thou   Thyself 
didst  frame. 


Qui  diceris  Paraclitus, 
Altissimi  donum  Dei, 
Eons  vivus,  ignis,  caritas, 
Et  spiritalis  unctio. 


^  Tu  septif  ormis  munere. 
Digitus  paternae  dexterae, 
Tu  rite  promissum  Patris, 
Sermone  ditans  guttura. 


*Accende  lumen  sensibus: 
Infimde  amorem  cordibus: 
Infirma  nostri  corporis 
Virtute  firmans  perpeti. 


'Hostem  repellas  longius, 
Pacemque  dones  protinus: 
Ductore  sic  te  praevio, 
Vitemus  omne  noxium. 


O  gift  of  God,  Thine  is  the  sweet 
Consoling  name  of  Paraclete — 
And  spring  of  life  and  fire  and 

love 
And  unction  flowing  from  above. 

The    mystic    sevenfold    gifts    are 

Thine, 
Finger     of     God's     right     hand 

divine; 
The     Father's     promise     sent    to 

teach 
The  tongue  a  rich  and  heavenly 

speech. 

Kindle  with  fire  brought  from 
above 

Each  sense,  and  fill  our  hearts  with 
love; 

And  grant  our  flesh,  so  weak  and 
frail, 

The  strength  of  Thine  which  can- 
not fail. 

Drive  far  away  our  deadly  foe. 
And  grant  us  Thy  true  peace  to 

know; 
So  we,  led  by  Thy  guidance  still, 
May  safely  pass  through  every  ill. 


162 


WHITSUNTIDE 

'  Per  te  sciamus  da  Patrem,  To  us,  through  Thee,  the  grace  be 

Noscamus  atque  Filium;  shown 

Teque  utriusque  Spiritum  To  know  the  Father  and  the  Son; 

Credamus  orani  tempore.  And  Spirit  of  Them  both,  may  we 

Forever  rest  our  faith  in  Thee. 

^Deo  Patri  sit  gloria.  To  Sire  and  Son  be  praises  meet, 

Et  Filio,  qui  a  mortuis  And  to  the  Holy  Paraclete; 

Surrexit,  ac  Paraclito,  And    may    Christ    send    us    from 

In  saeculorum  saecula.  above 

That  Holy  Spirit's  gift  of  love. 


Author:  Probably  by  Rabanus  Maurus  (776-856). 
Meter:  Iambic  dimeter.  Translation  by  Father  Aylward, 
O.P.  There  are  about  sixty  translations,  eight  of  which 
are  in  the  Annus  Sanctus.  Liturgical  Use:  Hymn  for 
Vespers  and  Terce  on  Whitsunday  and  throughout  the 
octave.  Terce  (the  3d  hour,  9:00  A.  M.)  was  the  hour  on 
which  the  Holy  Ghost  descended  upon  the  Apostles  (Acts 
2,  15).  The  hymn  is  used  on  many  other  solemn  occasions 
in  liturgical  and  extra-liturgical  functions  as  an  invocation 
to  the  Holy  Spirit.  With  the  exception  of  the  Te  Deum, 
there  is  probably  no  other  hymn  so  extensively  used  in  the 
Church  as  the  Veni  Creator  Spiritus. 

The  authorship  has  been  variously  ascribed  to  Rabanus 
Maurus,  Charlemagne,  St.  Ambrose,  and  to  St.  Gregory 
the  Great.  Read  the  articles  on  the  Veni  Creator  Spiritus, 
Paraclete,  and  on  Holy  Ghost,  in  the  Cath.  Encyd. 

1.  ' '  Come,  Creator  Spirit,  visit  the  souls  of  Thy  children, 
and  fill  with  heavenly  grace  the  hearts  which  Thou  hast 
made."  Creator:  The  three  Divine  Persons  concur  equally 
in  their  external  operation;  thus  the  Father  created,  the 
Son  created,  and  the  Holy  Ghost  created. 

2.  *'Thou  who  art  called  the  Paraclete,  the  gift  of  God 
most  high,  the  living  fountain,  fire,  love,  and  spiritual 
unction."  Paraclitus:  the  Paraclete,  the  Holy  Spirit;  a 
Greek  word  signifying — the  consoler,  comforter.  In  the 
Scriptures  the  word  occurs  only  in  St.  John  14,  16 ;  14,  26 ; 
15,  26;  16,  7.  Donum:  The  Holy  Spirit  is  called  the  ''gift 
of  God  most  high. ' '  To  receive  the  gift  of  the  Holy  Ghost 
(Acts  2,  38)  is  equivalent  to  receiving  the  Holy  Ghost  with 

163 


PROPER  OF  THE  SEASON 

His  gifts.  Fons  vivus:  Sed  aqua,  quam  ego  dabo  ei,  fiet  in 
eo  fons  aquse  salientis  in  vitam  seternam  (John  4,  14). 
Ignis:  Earthly  fire  illuminates,  enkindles,  consumes,  and 
purifies  from  dross ;  so  too,  in  its  nature,  is  the  fire  of  the 
Holy  Spirit — enlightening,  love-enkindling,  sin-destroying, 
and  purifying.  This  fire  manifests  itself  in  works  of 
charity,  and  especially  in  preaching  with  zeal  and  fervor 
the  word  of  God.  Caritas:  Deus  caritas  est,  et  qui  manet 
in  caritate,  in  Deo  manet,  et  Deus  in  eo  (I  John  4,  16). 
Spiritalis  —  Spiritualis ;  The  grace  of  God  is  called  unction 
or  anointing  because  the  effects  produced  by  it  in  the 
spiritual  order  are  analogous  to  those  produced  by  oint- 
ment in  the  natural  order.  It  cools,  refreshes,  exhilarates, 
strengthens,  heals,  enriches,  etc. 

3.  ''Thou  art  sevenfold  in  Thy  gifts,  the  finger  of  the 
Father's  right  hand;  Thou  art  the  express  promise  of  the 
Father,  endowing  tongues  with  speech."  Septifonnis: 
The  seven  gifts  of  the  Holy  Ghost  are  enumerated  by  the 
Prophet  Isaias :  Et  requiescet  super  eum  spiritus  Domini ; 
spiritus  sapientias  et  intellectus,  spiritus  consilii  et  forti- 
tudinis,  spiritus  scientiaB  et  pietatis,  et  replebit  eum  spiritus 
timoris  Domini  (Is.  11,  2-3).  Digitus  Dei:  The  Holy  Spirit 
is  called  the  "finger  of  God"  as  may  be  seen  from  the  fol- 
lowing parallel  passages:  Si  in  digito  Dei  ejicio  daemonia 
(Luke  11,  20).  Si  autem  ego  in  Spiritu  Dei  ejicio  daemones 
(Matt.  12,  28).  Rite,  explicit,  distinctly  stated.  Promis- 
sum,  i  =  promissio.  Et  ego  mitto  promissum  Patris  mei  in 
vos  (Luke  24,  49).  Sed  expectarent  promissionem  Patris 
(Acts  1,  4).  Sermone:  A  reference  to  the  gift  of  tongues 
(Acts  2,4). 

4.  ''Enkindle  Thy  light  within  our  minds,  infuse  Thy 
love  into  our  hearts ;  strengthen  the  weakness  of  our  flesh 
by  Thy  never-failing  power. ' ' 

5.  "Drive  far  away  our  enemy,  and  forthwith  grant  us 
peace;  so  that  while  Thou  leadest  the  way  as  our  guide, 
we  may  avoid  everything  harmful." 

6.  "Grant  that  through  Thee  we  may  know  the  Father; 
through  Thee,  the  Son ;  and  may  we  ever  believe  in  Thee, 
the  Spirit  of  Them  both." 

164 


69 


WHITSUNTIDE 
Jam  Christus  astra  ascenderat 


JAM  Christus  astra  ascenderat, 
Reversus  unde  venerat, 
Patris  fruendum  munere 
Sanctum  daturus  Spiritum. 


Solemnis  urgebat  dies, 
Quo  mystico  septemplici 
Orbis  volutus  septies. 
Signal  beata  tempora. 


^Cum  lucis  hora  tertia 
Repente  mundus  intonat, 


Apostolis  orantibus 
Deum  venire  nuntiat. 


*De  Patris  ergo  lumine 
Decorus  ignis  almus  est, 
Qui  fida  Christi  pectora 
Galore  Verbi  compleat. 


'Impleta  gaudent  viscera, 
Afflata  sancto  Spiritu, 
Vocesque  diversas  sonant, 
Fantur  Dei  magnalia. 


'Notique  cunctis  Gentibus, 
Graecis,  Latinis,  Barbaris, 
Simulque   demirantibus, 
Linguis  loquuntur  omnium. 


NOW  Christ,  ascending  whence 
He  came. 
Had    mounted     o'er     the     starry 

frame, 
The  Holy  Ghost  on  man  below, 
The  Father's  promise,  to  bestow. 

The    solemn    time    was    drawing 

nigh. 
Replete  with  heav'nly  mystery. 
On   seven   days'  sevenfold  circles 

borne, 
That   first   and   blessed    Whitsun- 

morn. 

When    the    third    hour    shone    all 

around, 
There    came    a    rushing    mighty 

sound. 
And  told  the  Apostles,   while   in 

prayer. 
That,  as  was  promised,  God  was 

there. 

Forth   from   the   Father's   light  it 

came. 
That  beautiful  and  kindly  flame: 
To  fill  with  fervor  of  His  word 
The  spirits  faithful  to  their  Lord. 

With  joy  the  Apostles'  breasts  are 

fired. 
By  God  the  Holy  Ghost  inspired: 
And  straight,   in   divers  kinds   of 

speech. 
The  wondrous  works  of  God  they 

preach. 

To  men  of  every  race  they  speak, 
Alike  Barbarian,  Roman,  Greek: 
From  the  same  lips,  with  awe  and 

fear, 
All  men  their  native  accents  hear. 


165 


PROPER  OF  THE  SEASON 

'Judaea  tunc  incredula,  But  Juda's  sons,  e'en  faithless  yet, 

Vesana  torvo  spiritu,  With  mad  infuriate  rage  beset, 

Madere  musto  sobrios  To  mock  Christ's  followers  com- 

Christi  fideles  increpat.  bine, 

As    drunken    all    with    new-made 
wine. 

*Sed  editis  miraculis  When  lo!  with  signs  and  mighty 

Occurrit  et  docet  Petrus,  deeds, 

Falsum  profari  perfidos,  Stands   Peter    in    the    midst,    and 

Joele  teste  comprobans.  pleads; 

Confounding  their   malignant   lie 
By  Joel's  ancient  prophecy. 

'  Deo  Patri  sit  gloria,  To  God  the  Father  let  us  sing, 

Et  Filio,  qui  a  mortuis  To  God  the  Son,  our  risen  King, 

Surrexit,  ac  Paraclito,  And  equally  let  us  adore 

In  saeculorum  saecula.  The  Spirit,  God  forevermore. 

Author:  Ambrosian,  4th  cent.  Meter:  Iambic  dimeter. 
Translation  :  First  four  stanzas  by  J.  M.  Neale ;  remainder 
by  G.  H.  Palmer  and  J.  W.  Doran.  There  are  about 
fifteen  translations,  three  of  which  are  in  the  Annus  Sanc- 
tus.  Liturgical  Use:  Hymn  for  Matins  on  Whitsunday 
and  throughout  the  octave.  The  hymn  is  a  metrical  setting 
of  Acts  2,  1-16. 

1.  *' Christ  had  already  ascended  on  high,  returning 
whence  He  came,  that  He  might  send  the  Holy  Spirit,  who 
was  to  be  received  as  the  gift  of  the  Father."  Fruendum: 
fut.  part,  of  fruor,  signifying  one  who  or  that  which  is  to  be 
enjoyed;  here  rather  in  the  sense  of  ''to  be  imparted.'' 
Munere,  by  the  liberality,  generosity,  etc.  The  Holy  Ghost 
proceeds  from  the  Father  and  the  Son,  and  was  sent  by  the 
Father  and  the  Son. 

2.  ' '  The  solemn  day  drew  nigh,  on  which  the  earth,  hav- 
ing revolved  seven  times  in  the  mystical  sevenfold,  an- 
nounces the  blessed  time."  Dies,  Pentecost.  Septemplici  = 
hebdomas,  a  period  of  seven  days.  It  is  styled  mystical 
because  of  the  well  known  mysterious  significance  of  the 
number  seven.  The  meaning  of  the  stanza  is  that  seven 
times  seven  revolutions  of  the  earth  take  place  between 
Easter  and  Pentecost.  The  Pentecost  of  the  Jews  was 
celebrated  on  the  fiftieth  day  after  the  Passover  or  Jewish 

1G6 


WHITSUNTIDE 

Easter.  The  Easter  and  Pentecost  of  the  Jews  were  figures 
of  the  Christian  festivals.  The  Pentecost  of  the  Old  Law 
was  the  festival  on  which  was  celebrated  the  'ingathering" 
of,  and  also  the  thanksgiving  for  the  harvest  (cf.  Ex.  34, 
22;  Dent.  16,  9-10).  See  also  the  article  on  Whitsunday, 
in  the  Cath.  Encycl. 

Behold  the  appointed  morn  appear 

In  solemn  mystery  sublime! 

Seven  times  sevenfold  this  earthly  sphere 

Revolving,  marked  the  blessed  time. 

— /.  D,  Chambers. 

3.  "When  at  the  third  hour  of  day  the  whole  world  sud- 
denly resounds,  and  announces  to  the  praying  Apostles 
that  God  is  come."    Deum  =  Spiritum  Sanctum. 

4.  '*0f  the  Father's  light,  therefore,  is  that  beauteous, 
kindly  flame,  which  fills  with  the  fervor  of  the  Word  the 
hearts  of  those  believing  in  Christ."  Fidus  is  generally 
followed  by  the  dative,  but  in  poetry  also  by  the  genitive. 
Or,  fida  pectora,  Christ's  faithful  souls.  Colore  verbi:  This 
may  be  interpreted  as  in  Neale's  version,  viz.  *'To  fill  with 
fervor  of  His  word."  It  would  then  refer  to  the  gift  of 
fervid  eloquence  with  which  the  Apostles  were  endowed. 
Or  Verhum  might  preferably  be  rendered:  the  Word,  the 
eternal  Son  of  God.    Note  the  following: 

To  warm  each  faithful  breast  below 
With  Christ,  the  Lord's  all-quickening  glow. 

— Father  Aylward. 

5.  ** Filled  therewith  (so.  colore  verbi),  their  hearts,  in- 
spired by  the  Holy  Ghost,  rejoice,  and  speaking  divers 
tongues,  they  proclaim  the  wondrous  works  of  God." 

6.  *'At  one  and  the  same  time,  they  (each  one)  spoke  to 
the  astonished  people  in  the  tongues  of  all,  and  they  were 
understood  by  all,  Greeks,  Romans,  and  Barbarians." 
Noti  {sunt).  Cwictis,  etc.,  are  in  the  dative  with  the  pas- 
sive, not  the  ablative.  Read  the  article  on  Tongues,  Gift 
of,  in  the  Coth.  Encycl. 

7.  "Then  faithless  Judea,  rendered  insane  by  its  savage 
spirit,  accuses  the  sober,  faithful  followers  of  Christ  of 
being  drunk  with  new  wine."    Judcea,  i.e.,  the  Jews. 

167 


PROPER  OF  THE  SEASON 

8.  *'But  by  the  miracles  wrought,  Peter  opposes  them, 
and  shows  that  the  perfidious  Jews  speak  falsely,  proving 
it  by  the  testimony  of  Joel"  (cf.  Joel  2,  28). 


70 


Beata  nobis  gaudia 


BEATA  nobis  gaudia 
Anni  reduxit  orbita, 
Cum  Spiritus  Paraclitus 
Illapsus  est  Apostolis. 


*  Ignis  vibrante  lumine 
Linguae  figuram  detulit, 
Verbis  ut  assent  proflui, 
£t  caritate  fervidi. 


^Linguis  loquuntur  omnium, 
Turbae  pavent  Gentilium: 
Musto  madere  deputant, 
Quos  Spiritus  repleverat. 


*Patrata  sunt  haec  mystice, 
Paschae  peracto  tempore, 
Sacro  dierum  circulo. 
Quo  lege  fit  remissio. 


'Te  nunc  Deus  piissime 
Vultu  precamur  cernuo, 
lUapsa  nobis  coelitus 
Largire  dona  Spiritus. 

'  Dudum  sacrata  pectora 
Tua  replesti  gratia: 
Dimitte  nostra  crimina, 
£t  da  quieta  tempora. 


ROUND    roll    the    weeks    our 
hearts  to  greet. 
With  blissful  joy  returning; 
For  lo!  the  Holy  Paraclete 
On  twelve  bright  brows  sits  burn- 
ing: 

With  quivering  flame  He  lights  on 

each. 
In  fashion  like  a  tongue,  to  teach 
That  eloquent  they  are  of  speech, 
Their  hearts  with  true  love  yearn- 
ing. 

While  with  all  tongues  they  speak 
to  all. 

The  nations  deem  them  maddened, 

And  drunk  with  wine  the  Prophets 
call, 

Whom  God's  good  Spirit  glad- 
dened; 

A  marvel  this — in  mystery  done — 
The  holy  Paschaltide  outrun. 
By  numbers  told,  whose  reckoning 

won 
Remission  for  the  saddened. 

0  God  most  Holy,  Thee  we  pray, 
With  reverent  brow  low  bending. 
Grant  us  the  Spirit's  gifts  to-day — 
The  gifts  from  heaven  descending; 

And,  since.  Thy  grace  hath  deigned 

to  bide 
Within  our  breasts  once  sanctified. 
Deign,  Lord,  to  cast  our  sins  aside, 
Henceforth  calm  seasons  sending. 


168 


WHITSUNTIDE 

^Deo  Patri  sit  gloria,  To    God    the    Father,    laud    and 

Et  Filio,  qui  a  mortuis  praise, 

Surrexit,  ac  Paraclito,  Praise  to  the  Son  be  given; 

In  saeculorum  saecula.  Praise  to  the  Spirit  of  all  grace, 

The  fount  of  graces  seven — 

As  was  of  old,  all  worlds  before. 
Is  now  and  shall  be  evermore. 
When  time  and  change  are  spent 

and   o'er — 
All  praise  in  earth  and  heaven. 

Author:  Ascribed  to  St.  Hilary,  Bishop  of  Poitiers  (d. 
368),  but  on  insufficient  evidence.  Meter:  Iambic  dimeter. 
Translation  by  W.  J.  Blew.  There  are  about  twenty  trans- 
lations. The  Annus  Sanctus  contains  three  translations, 
and  a  fragment  of  a  fourth.  Liturgical  Use:  Hymn  for 
Lauds  on  Whitsunday  and  throughout  the  octave. 

1.  ''The  circle  of  the  year  has  again  brought  back  to  U3 
blessed  joys,  when  the  Spirit,  the  Comforter,  came  down 
upon  the  Apostles." 

2.  ''The  fire  with  tremulous  flame  assumed  the  shape  of 
a  tongue,  that  they  might  be  eloquent  in  speech  and  fervent 
in  charity."  Et  apparuerunt  illis  dispertitte  linguae  tam- 
quam  ignis,  seditque  supra  singulos  eorum  (Acts  2,  3). 

3.  ' '  Speaking  in  the  tongues  of  all,  the  multitudes  of  the 
Gentiles  are  amazed:  they  deemed  as  drunk  with  new 
wine,  those  whom  the  Holy  Ghost  had  filled." 

4.  "These  things  were  wrought  mystically,  when  the 
Paschal  time  was  completed,  in  the  sacred  circle  of  days  in 
which  by  law  remission  occurred. ' '  Circulo  =  numero,  as 
in  the  Original  Text.  Remissio:  The  allusion  is  to  the 
annus  remissionis  (Ezech.  46,  17),  or  Year  of  Jubilee, 
which  in  the  Old  Law  occurred  every  fifty  years  (cf.  Lev. 
25).  During  the  Year  of  Jubilee,  debts  were  remitted, 
slaves  liberated,  etc.  Read  the  article  on  Jubilee,  in  the 
Cath.  Encycl.  Read  also  the  article  on  Sabbatical  Year, 
as  both  are  referred  to  in  Lev.  25. 

5.  "With  bowed  heads,  we  now  beseech  Thee,  0  most 
loving  God,  to  bestow  upon  us  the  gifts  of  the  Holy  Ghost, 
which  were  sent  down  from  heaven."  Largire,  imper.  of 
largior. 

169 


PROPER  OF  THE  SEASON 

6.  "Formerly  Thou  didst  fill  with  Thy  grace  sacred 
breasts;  pardon  now  our  sins  and  grant  us  peaceful  days." 
The  first  two  lines  of  this  stanza  may  refer  either  to  our 
own  breasts  sanctified  in  Baptism,  or  to  the  breasts  of  the 
Apostles  which  were  sanctified  in  so  wondrous  a  manner 
on  the  day  of  Pentecost.  Note  the  elaborate  English 
doxology. 


71 


Trinity  Sunday 
O  lux  beata  Trinitas 


OLUX  beata  Trinitas, 
Et  principalis  Unitas, 
Jam  sol  recedet  igneus, 
Infunde  lumen  cordibus. 


^Te  mane  laudimi  carmine, 
Te  deprecemur  vespere : 
Te  nostra  supplex  gloria 
Per  cuncta  laudet  saecula. 


0  TRINITY  of  blessed  light, 
0  Unity  of  princely  might, 
The  fiery  sun  now  goes  his  way; 
Shed  Thou  within  our  hearts  Thy 
ray. 


To 


morning   song   of 


Thee   our 

praise. 
To  Thee  our  evening  prayer  we 

raise; 
Thy  glory  suppliant  we  adore 
Forever  and  forevermore. 


'Deo  Patri  sit  gloria,  All  laud  to  God  the  Father  be; 

Ejusque  soli  Filio,  All  praise,  Eternal  Son,  to  Thee; 

Cum  Spiritu  Paraclito,  All  glory,  as  is  ever  meet, 

Et  nunc  et  in  perpetuum.  To  God  the  Holy  Paraclete. 

Liturgical  Use  :  Vespers  hymn  for  the  Feast  of  the  Most 
Holy  Trinity.  The  Roman  Breviary  text  of  this  hymn  is 
the  same  as  that  of  the  Vespers  hymn  for  Saturday,  No. 
29,  with  the  substitution  of  amor  em  for  lumen  in  1.  4.  The 
text  given  above  is  the  Original  Text  with  a  translation  of 
the  same  by  J.  M.  Neale.  Compare  the  above  Latin  text 
with  the  Revised  Text,  hymn  29. 


72 


SummcB  Parens  clementite 


SUMM.^  Parens  clementiae, 
Mundi  regis  qui  machinam, 
Unius  et  substantias, 
Trinusque  personis  Deus, 


OGOD,  by  whose  command  is 
swayed 
This   ordered  world   which  Thou 

hast  made; 
Parent  of  heavenly  clemency. 
In  nature  One,  in  persons  Three; 


170 


TRINITY  SUNDAY 


^  Da  dexteram  surgentibus, 
Exurgat  ut  mens  sobria, 
Flagrans  et  in  laudem  Dei 
Grates  rependat  debitas. 


'Deo  Patri  sit  gloria, 
Natoque  Patris  unico, 
Cum  Spiritu  Paraclito, 
In  sempiterna  saecula. 


Assist  us  while  our  minds  we  raise, 
Inflamed     with     Thy      immortal 

praise; 
That  with  our  sober  thoughts,  we 

may 
Forever  our  thanksgiving  pay. 

May  age  by  age  Thy  wonders  tell, 
Eternal  praise  Thy  works  reveal. 
And  sing  with  the  celestial  host 
The  Father,  Son,  and  Holy  Ghost. 


Liturgical  Use:  Hymn  for  Matins  on  the  Feast  of  the 
Most  Holy  Trinity.  Translation  in  the  Primer,  1706, 
probably  by  John  Dryden.  This  hymn  is  a  cento  from 
hymns  already  treated.  The  first  stanza  is  from  Hymn  21 ; 
the  second,  from  Hymn  20. 


73 


Tu,  Trinitatis  Unitas 


TU,  Trinitatis  Unitas, 
Orbem  potenter  quae  regis, 
Attende  laudis  canticum. 
Quod  excubantes  psallimus. 


^Drtus  refulget  lucifer, 
Praeitque  solem  nuntius: 
Cadunt  tenebrae  noctium: 
Lux  sancta  nos  illuminet. 

*Deo  Patri  sit  gloria, 
Ej  usque  soli  Filio, 
Cum  Spiritu  Paraclito, 
Nunc  et  per  omne  saeculum. 


OTHOU,  who  dost  all  nature 
sway. 
Dread  Trinity  in  Unity, 
Accept  the   trembling  praise   we 

pay 
To  Thy  eternal  majesty. 

The  star  that  heralds  in  the  dawn 
Is  slowly  fading  in  the  skies; 
The  darkness  melts — 0  Thou  true 

Light, 
Upon  our  darkened  souls  arise. 

To  God  the  Father  glory  be. 
And  to  the  sole-begotten  Son, 
And  Holy  Ghost  co-equally. 
While  everlasting  ages  run. 


Liturgical  Use:  Hymn  for  Lauds  on  the  Feast  of  the 
Most  Holy  Trinity.  Translation  by  Father  Caswall. 
This  hymn  is  a  cento  from  hymns  already  treated.  The 
first  stanza  is  from  Hymn  19;  the  second,  from  Hymn  20. 

171 


74 


PROPER  OF  THE  SEASON 
O  DeuSy  ego  amo  te 


ODEUS,  ego  amo  te, 
Nee  amo  te,  ut  salves  me, 
Aut  quia  non  amantes  te 
i^terno  pimis  igne. 


^  Tu,  tu,  mi  Jesu,  totum  me 
Amplexus  es  in  cruce; 
Tulisti  clavos,  lanceam, 
Multamque  ignominiam. 


'Innumeros  dolores, 
Sudores,  et  angores, 
Et  mortem,  et  haec  propter  me, 
Ac  pro  me  peccatore. 


*Cur  igitur  non  amem  te, 
0  Jesu  amantissime, 
Non,  ut  in  ccelo  salves  me, 
Aut  ne  aeternum  damnes  me, 


'^Nec  praemii  ullius  spe, 
Sed  sicut  tu  amasti  me? 
Sic  amo  et  amabo  te, 
Solum  quia  Rex  meus  es, 
Et  solum  quia  Deus  es. 


TI/TY  God,  I  love  Thee,  not  be- 

■'-"■*•  cause 

I  hope  for  heaven  thereby; 

Nor  yet  since  they  who  love  Thee 

not 
Must  bum  eternally. 

Thou,  0  my  Jesus,  Thou  didst  me 

Upon  the  Cross  embrace; 

For  me  didst  bear  the  nails  and 

spear. 
And  manifold  disgrace; 

And  griefs  and  torments  number- 
less. 
And  sweat  of  agony; 
E'en  death  itself;  and  all  for  one 
Who  was  Thine  enemy. 

Then  why,  0  blessed  Jesus  Christ, 
Should  I  not  love  Thee  well. 
Not    for    the    sake    of    winning 

heaven. 
Or  of  escaping  hell; 

Not    with    the    hope    of    gaining 

aught. 
Not  seeking  a  reward; 
But  as  Thyself  hast  loved  me, 
O  ever-loving  Lord? 

E'en  so  I  love  Thee,  and  will  love. 
And  in  Thy  praise  will  sing. 
Solely  because  Thou  art  my  God, 
And  my  eternal  King. 


Author:  St.  Francis  Xavier  (1506-1552).  **It  seems 
fairly  certain  that  the  original  was  a  Spanish  or  Portuguese 
sonnet,  and  was  written  by  St.  Francis  Xavier  in  the  East 
Indies  about  1546"  {Diet,  of  Hymnology,  p.  1679).  There 
are  several  Latin  versions ;  the  author  of  the  above  version 
is  not  known.  Meter:  Iambic  dimeter.  Translation  by 
Father  Caswall.    There  are  about  twenty-five  translations. 

172 


CORPUS  CHRISTI 

Although  this  hymn  is  not  found  in  the  Breviary  or 
Missal  it  is  deservedly  very  popular.  There  is  an  article 
on  0  Deus  ego  amo  te  in  the  Cath.  Encycl.  The  article 
treats  of  two  Latin  hymns  beginning  with  the  same  first 
line ;  both  hymns  are  attributed  to  St.  Francis  Xavier.  Of 
these  hymns  Dr.  Duffield  says:  "They  are  transfused  and 
shot  through  by  a  personal  sense  of  absorption  into  the 
divine  love,  w^hich  has  fused  and  crystallized  them  in  its 
fiercest  heat. ' '  And  to  their  author,  he  pays  this  beautiful 
tribute:  "It  is  impossible  to  study  his  life  without  a  con- 
viction there  was  in  it  a  devout  and  gallant  purpose  to  bless 
the  world  ....  And  in  the  two  hymns  which  bear  his 
name  we  are  able  to  discover  that  fine  attar  which  is  the 
precious  residuum  of  many  crushed  and  fragrant  aspira- 
tions, which  grew  above  the  thorns  of  sharp  trial  and  were 
strewn  at  last  upon  the  wind-swept  beach  of  that  poor 
Pisgah  island  from  which  he  truly  beheld  the  distant  Land" 
{Latin  Hymn-Writers  and  Their  Hymns,  pp.  298-315).  The 
hymn  offers  no  difficulty  to  the  translator. 


Corpus  Christi 
preliminary  observations 

The  next  five  hymns  are  the  great  Eucharistic  hymns  of 
St.  Thomas  Aquinas  (1227-1274).  They  were  written  at 
the  request  of  Pope  Urban  IV,  on  the  occasion  of  the  insti- 
tution of  the  Feast  of  Corpus  Christi  in  1264.  The  hymns 
of  the  Angelic  Doctor  are  remarkable  for  their  smoothness 
and  clearness,  and  for  their  logical  conciseness  and  dog- 
matic precision.  They  are  pervaded  throughout  by  a  spirit 
of  the  profoundest  piety  so  characteristic  of  the  Angel  of 
the  Schools.  It  is  fitting  that  a  great  Doctor  of  the  Church 
and  a  great  Saint  should  have  confined  his  hymn-writing  to 
a  single  subject,  and  that,  the  sweetest  and  profoundest  of 
all  subjects,  the  Most  Holy  Sacrament  of  the  Altar. 

The  hymns  taken  collectively  contain  an  admirable  sum- 
mary of  the  Catholic  doctrine  of  the  Holy  Eucharist.  "The 
Lauda  Sion,"  says  Archbishop  Bagshawe,  is  in  itself  "a 
condensed    compendium    of    exact    theology"    {Breviary 

173 


PROPER  OF  THE  SEASON 

Hymns  and  Missal  Sequences,  Preface).  Several  of  the 
clear-cut,  doctrinal  statements  that  are  found  in  the  Lauda 
Sion  occur  again  and  again  in  the  other  hymns.  To  obviate 
repetitions  in  the  Notes,  and  to  afford  additional  aids  to 
the  proper  understanding  of  the  hymns,  the  following  doc- 
trinal statements  from  authoritative  sources  may  be  found 
useful : 

1.  *  'It  has  always  been  believed  in  the  Church  of  God  that 
immediately  after  the  consecration,  the  true  Body  of  Our 
Lord  and  His  true  Blood  exist  under  the  species  of  bread 
and  wine,  together  with  His  Soul  and  Divinity:  the  Body 
under  the  species  of  bread,  and  the  Blood  under  the  species 
of  wine,  by  force  of  the  words;  but  the  Body  under  the 
species  of  wane,  and  the  Blood  under  the  species  of  bread, 
and  the  Soul  under  both  by  force  of  the  natural  connection 
and  concomitance  by  which  the  parts  of  the  Lord  Christ, 
who  rose  from  the  dead  to  die  no  more,  are  linked  together : 
and  the  Divinity  by  reason  of  Its  admirable  Hypostatic 
Union  with  the  Body  and  Soul.  Wherefore  it  is  most  true 
that  there  is  as  much  contained  under  either  species  as 
under  both,  for  Christ  exists  whole  and  entire  under  the 
species  of  bread,  and  under  every  part  of  the  species,  whole 
too  and  entire  under  the  species  of  wine  and  under  its 
parts"  (Council  of  Trent,  Sess.  13,  Ch.  3.  Quoted  from 
the  Outlines  of  Dogmatic  Theology,  by  Father  Hunter,  S.J. 
Vol.  3,  p.  258). 

2.  The  following  is  from  the  Profession  of  Faith  of  Pope 
Pius  IV,  which  was  drawn  up  shortly  after  the  conclusion 
of  the  Council  of  Trent:  *'I  profess  ....  that  in  the 
most  Holy  Sacrament  of  the  Eucharist,  there  is  truly, 
really,  and  substantially,  the  Body  and  Blood,  together 
with  the  Soul  and  Divinity  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  and 
that  there  is  made  a  conversion  of  the  whole  substance  of 
the  bread  into  the  Body,  and  of  the  w^hole  substance  of  the 
wine  into  the  Blood ;  which  conversion  the  Catholic  Church 
calls  Transubstantiation.  I  also  confess,  that  under  either 
kind  alone,  Christ  is  received  whole  and  entire,  and  a  true 
Sacrament"  (From  Father  Devine's  The  Creed  Explained, 
p.  55). 

3.  ''Since  the  species  of  bread  and  wine  are  not  the 

174 


CORPUS  CHRISTI 

proper,  but  only  the  assumed  species  of  the  Body  and 
Blood  of  Christ,  what  is  done  to  the  species  cannot  there- 
fore be  said  to  be  done  to  the  Body  and  Blood  of  Christ 
itself.  If,  for  instance,  the  former  are  divided  or  broken, 
the  Body  of  Christ  is  not  thereby  divided  or  broken.  But 
as  the  Body  of  Christ  exists  permanently  under  the  species, 
and  is  really  present  wherever  the  species  are,  it  is  actually 
borne  from  place  to  place,  as  are  the  species.  We  may 
rightly  say,  however,  that  the  Sacrament  is  broken  {fracto 
demum  sacramento) ;  for  the  species  are  an  essential  part 
of  the  Sacrament"  (Father  "Wilmer's  Handbook  of  the 
Christian  Religion,  p.  334). 

4.  ''Every  day  the  Eucharistic  mysteries  place  Our  Lord 
in  a  state  analogous  to  that  which  He  took  upon  Himself  in 
the  Incarnation.  The  Eucharistic  species  subsist  in- 
dependently of  their  proper  substance,  as  the  human  nature 
of  the  Word  Incarnate  subsisted  independently  of  His 
natural  personality.  .  .  .  Not  without  reason  does  the 
Church,  in  her  offices  and  Eucharistic  hymns,  constantly 
bring  these  two  mysteries  together,  the  Incarnation  and 
Transubstantiation"  (From  The  Eucharistic  Life  of 
Christ,  in  Father  Matthew  Russell's  Jesus  Is  Waiting,  p. 
87).  The  following  paragraph  expresses  briefly  and 
authoritatively  the  teaching  of  the  Church  concerning  the 
Incarnation  and  the  Person  of  Christ. 

5.  ''But  it  is  also  necessary  for  eternal  salvation,  that 
he  also  believe  faithfully  the  Incarnation  of  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ.  Now  the  right  faith  is,  that  we  believe  and  confess, 
that  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  the  Son  of  God,  is  both  God  and 
man.  He  is  God  of  the  substance  of  His  Father,  begotten 
before  the  world;  and  He  is  man  of  the  substance  of  His 
Mother,  born  in  the  world.  Perfect  God  and  perfect  man ; 
of  rational  soul  and  human  flesh  subsisting.  Equal  to  the 
Father  according  to  His  Divinity;  less  than  the  Father 
according  to  His  humanity.  Who,  although  He  is  both  God 
and  man,  yet  He  is  not  two,  but  one  Christ.  One,  not  by  the 
conversion  of  the  Godhead  into  flesh,  but  by  the  assuming 
of  human  nature  unto  God.  One  altogether,  not  by  con- 
fusion of  substance,  but  by  unity  of  person.  For  as  the 
rational  soul  and  the  body  constitutes  one  man,  so  God  and 

175 


PROPER  OF  THE  SEASON 

man  is  one  Christ'*  (From  the  Creed  of  St.  Athanasius). 
Such  was  the  Christ  who  was  born  for  ns  at  Bethlehem; 
the  Good  Shepherd  who  sought  out  the  lost  sheep  of  the 
house  of  Israel;  the  great  High  Priest  who  gave  Himself 
to  His  disciples  with  His  own  hands  at  the  Last  Supper; 
and  who  as  Priest  and  Victim  offered  Himself  on  Calvary, 
and  daily  offers  Himself  on  countless  altars  from  the  rising 
till  the  setting  of  the  sun. 

6.  "Christ  is  entirely  present  under  each  species  and 
under  each  particle  of  either  species.  Christ  is  entirely 
present — with  His  flesh  and  blood,  His  body  and  soul.  His 
manhood  and  Godhead  under  each  species.  Christ  gave 
His  disciples  the  same  body  that  He  possessed,  and  on  our 
altars  bread  is  changed  into  the  same  body  which  is  now 
glorified  in  heaven ;  for  the  words :  This  is  My  body,  would 
not  be  true,  unless  the  bread  were  changed  into  the  living 
body  of  Christ  as  it  now  exists.  So,  too,  the  wine  is  changed 
into  the  blood  of  the  living  Christ.  But  where  the  body  of 
the  living  Christ  is  there  is  also  His  blood,  and  His  soul, 
and  divinity;  and  where  His  blood  is  there  is  also  His  body, 
soul,  and  divinity — the  entire  Christ."  '^ Christ  is  wholly 
present  in  each  particle  of  either  species  so  that  he  who 
receives  one  particle  of  the  host  receives  the  whole  Christ" 
(Wilmer's  Handbook,  p.  334). 

7.  The  parallel  passages  in  the  Scriptures  referring 
directly  to  the  Institution  of  the  Holy  Eucharist  are  the 
following:  St.  Matt.  26,  26-28;  St.  Mark  14,  22-24;  St.  Luke 
22,  19-20;  St.  Paul  I  Cor.  11,  23-25.  The  following  is  from 
St.  Luke:  ''And  taking  bread,  he  gave  thanks,  and  broke, 
and  gave  to  them,  saying:  This  is  my  body  which  is  given 
for  you.  Do  this  for  a  commemoration  of  me.  In  like 
manner  the  chalice  also,  after  he  had  supped,  saying:  This 
is  the  chalice,  the  new  testament  in  my  blood,  which  shall 
be  shed  for  you."  See  also  the  words  of  promise  (St. 
John  6,  48-59)  which  were  uttered  by  Our  Lord  about  one 
year  before  the  institution  of  the  Holy  Eucharist. 

8.  Types:  By  types,  in  the  Scriptures,  are  meant  such 
persons  and  things  in  the  Old  Law  as  prefigured  persons 
and  things  in  the  New.  The  Old  Law  itself  and  the  various 
sacrifices  it  prescribed  were  but  the  types  or  shadows,  not 

176 


i 


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^mfrfHliafiaittud( 

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onidJliitq^cDflUa 

U  <^  tiut.aiitQui5|)nat 

fitiiincmminta^a^mdiiii,       dotriburtiU'cirCll 

numitaij.CDfiitbinuirftqiJff 

ntiiDbdhI mifericDcdiafuI; ; 

-  J\!nt<r>l<inQinOT.«tiurui!ii!J  frf; 

fni0:!fitt«fti6miuli5 
tiiianicBitfrfeirmninr 


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t)n(iriu^ar»ktijrmioi 
dku&abilW  infanta. 

;  u?4iamnnnninTrtlai 


Missale  Einsiedlense — 16lh  Cenliiry,  180  pages  {Codex 
Msc.  10^4).  Pkolo -re product  ion  from,  the  original  in 
the  Abbey  of  Maria  Einsiedeln  shows  ''Inilium  In- 
iroitas  SS.  Trinitatis."  The  miniature  of  the  Holy 
Trinity  done  in  strikingly  rich  colors  and  set  within  an 
initial  which  is  carried  out  in  gold  allajiinst  a  highly 
decorative  red  and  blue  background  in  connection  tvilh 
the  appropriately  ornate,  yet  legible,  text  emphasizes  the 
beauty  and  perfection  of  the  illuminator' s  art  at  that 
time. 


CORPUS  CHRISTI 

the  reality,  of  future  good  things  promised  (cf.  Heb.  10, 
1-19).    The  principal  types  mentioned  in  the  hymns  are: 

(a)  The  Paschal  Lamb  (Exod.  12).  The  Paschal  Lamb 
is  the  most  expressive  type  or  figure  of  Christ  mentioned 
in  the  Old  Testament.  It  was  slain  the  day  before  the 
Passover;  it  was  to  be  without  blemish;  it  was  to  be  offered 
to  God  and  then  eaten ;  not  a  bone  of  it  was  to  be  broken ; 
its  blood  sprinkled  on  the  door-posts  of  the  Israelites  pre- 
served them  from  temporal  death,  as  Christ's  Blood  shed 
on  the  Cross  preserves  us  from  eternal  death.  It  might  also 
be  noted  that  a  lamb  is  remarkable  for  its  gentleness;  it 
submits  to  unmerited  suffering  without  complaint  (Is.  53, 
7;  Acts  8,  32) ;  in  the  Old  Law  it  was  slain  for  sins  not  its 
own ;  Christ  is  the  Lamb  of  God  who  taketh  away  the  sins 
of  the  world  (cf.  John  1,  29-36) ;  He  is  the  Lamb  which  was 
slain  from  the  beginning  of  the  world  (Apoc.  13,  8),  i.e., 
in  the  foreknowledge  of  God. 

(b)  Manna:  (Exod.  16).  Manna  was  the  miraculous 
bread  of  the  Israelites  during  their  forty  years'  sojourn  in 
the  desert;  it  came  down  from  heaven  every  morning,  and 
it  was  consumed  in  the  morning;  it  was  small  and  white; 
and  such  was  its  nature  that  "neither  had  he  more  that  had 
gathered  more,  nor  did  he  find  less  that  had  provided  less" 
(Exod.  16,  18). 

(c)  Isaac  (Gen.  22).  Isaac  was  a  type  of  Christ  in  that 
he  was  the  well  beloved  and  only-begotten  son  of  his  father 
Abraham;  He  carried  on  his  shoulders  the  wood  on  which 
he  was  to  be  sacrificed;  he  was  an  obedient  and  willing 
victim;  his  life,  as  recorded  in  Gen.  15-35,  pictures  him  as 
pre-eminently  a  man  of  peace,  whose  willing  sacrifice  on 
Mount  Moria  was  typical  of  the  greater  Sacrifice  on  Mount 
Calvary. 

(d)  Azymes  (Exod.  12-13).  The  azyme-bread  was  un- 
leavened bread  prescribed  by  the  Mosaic  Law  for  the  Feast 
of  the  Passover.  There  was  also  a  Feast  of  the  Azymes 
(of  the  Unleavened  Bread)  which  continued  for  seven  days. 
The  Azymes  and  Passover  were  practically  one  and  the 
same  feast.  Unleavened  bread  is  a  type  of  sincerity,  truth, 
moral  integrity,  exemption  from  the  corrupting  leaven  of 
sin,  etc.  (cf.  I  Cor.  5,  8). 

177 


PROPER  OF  THE  SEASON 

9.  In  the  Cath.  Encycl.,  read  the  following  articles: 
Corpus  Christi;  Eucharist;  Pasch;  Supper,  Last;  Azymes; 
Lamb,  Paschal;  Manna;  Isaac;  Types  in  Scripture;  and 
the  beginning  of  each  of  the  two  articles  on  Host. 

The  same  work  contains  seven  articles  on  the  hymns  of 
St.  Thomas.  These  articles,  listed  under  the  following 
titles,  are  from  the  pen  of  the  eminent  hymnologist,  the  Rt. 
Rev.  Monsignor  H.  T.  Henry,  Litt.D. :  Lauda  Sion,  Adoro 
Te  Devote,  Sacris  Solemniis,  Pange  Lingua,  Tantum  Ergo, 
Verhum  Supernum,  and  0  Salutaris.  Monsignor  Henry's 
Eucharistica  contains  translations  of  all  these  hymns  and 
devotes  to  them  more  than  thirty  pages  of  comment. 


75 


Lauda  Sion  Salvatorem 


LAUDA  Sion  Salvatorem, 
Lauda  ducem  et  pastorem, 
In  hymnis  et  canticis. 
Quantum  potes,  tantum  aude: 
Quia  major  omni  laude, 
Nee  laudare  sufficis. 


^  Laudis  thema  specialis, 
Panis  vivus  et  vitalis 

Hodie  proponitur. 
Quem  in  sacrae  mensa  coenae 
Turbae  fratrum  duodenae 

Datum  non  ambigitur. 


'Sit  laus  plena,  sit  sonora. 
Sit  jucunda,  sit  decora, 

Mentis  jubilatio. 
Dies  enim  solemnis  agitur, 
In  qua  mensae  prima  recolitur 
Hujus  institutio. 


PRAISE,    0    Sion,    praise    thy 
Saviour, 
Shepherd,   Prince,   with   glad  be- 
havior, 
Praise  in  hymn  and  canticle: 
Sing  His  glory  without  measure, 
For  the  merit  of  your  Treasure 
Never  shall  your  praises  fill. 

Wondrous  theme  of  mortal  sing- 
ing, 
Living    Bread    and    Bread    life- 
bringing. 
Sing  we  on  this  joyful  day: 
At  the  Lord's  own  table  given 
To    the    twelve    as    Bread    from 
Heaven, 
Doubting  not  we  firmly  say. 


Sing 


with 


voice 


His     praise 
sonorous; 
Every  heart  shall  hear  the  chorus 

Swell  in  melody  sublime: 
For  this  day  the  Shepherd  gave  us 
Flesh  and  Blood  to  feed  and  save 


us. 


Lasting  to  the  end  of  time. 


178 


CORPUS  CHRISTI 


*  In  hac  mensa  novi  Regis, 
Novum  Pascha  novae  legis, 

Phase  vetus  terminal. 
Vetustatem  novitas, 
Umbram  fugat  Veritas, 

Noctem  lux  eliminat. 

^Quod  in  coena  Christus  gessit. 
Faciendum  hoc  expressit 

In  sui  memoriam. 
Docti  sacris  institutis, 
Panem,  vinum  in  salutis 
Consecramus  hostiam. 


'Dogma  datur  Christianis, 
Quod  in  carnem  transit  panis, 

Et  vinum  in  sanguinem. 
Quod  non  capis,  quod  non  vides, 
Animosa  firmat  fides, 

Praeter  rerum  ordinem. 


^Sub  diversis  speciebus, 
Signis  tantum,  et  non  rebus, 

Latent  res  eximise. 
Caro  cibus,  sanguis  potus: 
Manet  tamen  Christus  totus, 

Sub  utraque  specie. 


At  the  new  King's  sacred  table, 
The  new  Law's  new  Pasch  is  able 

To  succeed  the  ancient  Rite: 
Old  to  new  its  place  hath  given, 
Truth  has  far  the  shadows  driven. 

Darkness  flees  before  the  Light. 

And  as  He  hath  done  and  planned 

it— 
"Do    this" — hear    His    love    com- 
mand it, 
"For  a  memory  of  me." 
Learned,     Lord,     in     Thy     own 

science. 
Bread   and   wine,    in   sweet   com- 
pliance. 
As  a  Host  we  offer  Thee. 

Thus     in     faith     the     Christian 

heareth : 
That  Christ's  Flesh  as  bread  ap- 

peareth. 
And     as     wine     His     Precious 

Blood: 
Though  we  feel  it  not  nor  see  it. 
Living  Faith  that  doth  decree  it 
All    defects    of    sense    makes 

good. 

Lo!  beneath  the  species  dual 
(Signs  not  things),  is  hid  a  jewel 

Far   beyond  creation's   reach! 
Though      His      Flesh      as      food 

abideth, 
And    His    Blood    as    drink — He 
hideth 
Undivided  under  each. 


'A  sumente  non  concisus, 
Non  confractus,  non  divisus: 

Integer  accipitur. 
Sumit  unus,  sumunt  mille: 
Quantum  isti,  tantum  ille: 
Nee  sumptus  consumitur. 


Whoso  eateth  It  can  never 
Break  the  Body,  rend  or  sever; 
Christ    entire    our   hearts    doth 
fill: 
Thousands     eat     the     Bread     of 

Heaven, 
Yet  as  much  to  one  is  given: 
Christ,    though    eaten,    bideth 
still. 


179 


PROPER  OF  THE  SEASON 


"Sumunt  boni,  sumunt  mali: 
Sorte  tamen  inaequali, 

Vitae,  vel  interitus. 
Mors  est  malis,  vita  bonis: 
Vide  paris  sumptionis, 

Quam  sit  dispar  exitus. 


^"Fracto  demum  Sacramento 
Ne  vacilles,  sed  memento, 
Tantum  esse  sub  fragmento, 

Quantum  toto  tegitur. 
Nulla  rei  fit  scissura: 
Signi  tantum  fit  fractura: 
Qua  nee  status,  nee  statura 

Signati  minuitur. 


^^Ecce  panis  angelorura, 
Factus  cibus  viatorum: 
Vere  panis  filiorum, 

Non  mittendus  canibus. 
In  figuris  praesignatur. 
Cum   Isaac   immolatur : 
Agnus  Paschae  deputatur: 

Datur  manna  patribus. 


"Bone  Pastor,  panis  vere, 
Jesu,  nostri  miserere: 
Tu  nos  pasce,  nos  tuere: 
Tu  nos  bona  fac  videre 

In  terra  viventium. 
Tu  qui  cuncta  scis  et  vales: 
Qui  nos  pascis  hie  mortales: 
Tuos  ibi  commensales, 
Cohaeredes  et  sodales 

Fac  sanctorum  civium. 


Good  and  bad,  they  come  to  greet 

Him: 
Unto  life  the  former  eat  Him, 

And  the  latter  unto  death; 
These   find  death   and  those  find 

heaven ; 
See,  from  the  same  life-seed  given, 
How  the  harvest  differeth! 

When  at  last  the  Bread  is  broken. 
Doubt    not    what   the    Lord    hath 

spoken : 
In  each  part  the  same  love-token, 

The    same    Christ,    our    hearts 
adore : 
For  no  power  the  Thing  divideth — 
'Tis  the  symbols  He  provideth, 
While  the  Saviour  still  abideth 

Undiminished  as  before. 

Hail,  angelic  Bread  of  Heaven, 
Now  the  pilgrim's  hoping-leaven, 
Yea,  the  Bread  to  children  given 

That    to    dogs    must    not    be 
thrown : 
In  the  figures  contemplated, 
'Twas  with  Isaac  immolated, 
By  the  Lamb  'twas  antedated. 

In  the  Manna  it  was  known. 

O  Good  Shepherd,  still  confessing 
Love,  in  spite  of  our  transgress- 
ing,— 
Here  Thy  blessed  Food  possessing, 
Make  us  share  Thine  every  bless- 
ing 
In  the  land  of  life  and  love: 
Thou,  whose  power  hath  all  com- 
pleted 
And    Thy    Flesh    as    Food    hath 

meted, 
Make  us,  at  Thy  table  seated. 
By    Thy    Saints,    as    friends    be 
greeted. 
In  Thy  paradise  above. 


See     "Preliminary     Observation" 

180 


above. 


Meter  : 


CORPUS  CHRISTI 

Trochaic  dimeter,  in  great  part.  Translation  by  Monsignor 
Henry.  There  are  about  twenty  translations,  two  of  which 
are  in  the  Annus  Sanctus.  Liturgical  Use:  Sequence  for 
the  Feast  of  Corpus  Christi,  and  throughout  the  octave. 

1.  ''Praise,  0  Sion,  thy  Saviour,  praise  thy  Leader  and 
thy  Shepherd  in  hymns  and  canticles.  As  much  as  thou 
canst,  so  much  darest  thou,  for  He  is  above  all  praise,  nor 
art  thou  able  to  praise  Him  enough."  Sion:  the  faithful, 
the  Church,  see  Glossary.  Major:  Benedicentes  Dominum, 
exaltate  ilium  quantum  potestis:  major  enim  est  omni  laude 
(cf.  Ecclus.  43,  32-34). 

2.  ''To-day  there  is  given  us  a  special  theme  of  praise, 
the  Bread  both  living  and  life-giving,  which,  it  is  not  to  be 
doubted,  was  given  to  the  assembly  of  the  brethren,  twelve 
in  number,  at  the  table  of  the  holy  Supper. ' '  Quern  .... 
datum  esse.    For  duodence  see  denus  in  the  Glossary. 

3.  "Let  our  praise  be  full  and  sounding;  let  the  jubila- 
tions of  the  soul  be  joyous  and  becoming;  for  that  solemn 
day  is  now  being  celebrated,  on  which  is  commemorated  the 
first  institution  of  this  table."  Mensce,  table,  the  Holy 
Eucharist. 

4.  "At  this  table  of  the  new  King,  the  new  Pasch  of 
the  New  Law  puts  an  end  to  the  ancient  Pasch.  The  new 
supplants  the  old,  truth  puts  to  flight  the  shadow,  day 
banishes  night."  Pascha:  the  Pasch,  Passover  (cf.  Exod. 
12-13).  Phase:  This  is  another  form  of  Pascha  and  has 
the  same  meaning  (cf.  Exod.  12,  21;  34,  25;  Num.  9,  4). 
The  English  word  Phase  occurs  only  in  the  Douay  Bible. 
The  expressions  "The  new  supplants  the  old,"  etc.,  refer 
to  the  institution  of  the  New  Sacrifice  foretold  by  Malachias 
(1,  10-11),  of  which  the  sacrifices  of  the  Old  Law  were  but 
shadows,  types,  and  figures. 

5.  "What  Christ  did  at  that  Supper,  the  same  He  com- 
manded to  be  done  in  remembrance  of  Him.  Taught  by 
His  sacred  precepts,  we  consecrate  bread  and  wine  into  the 
Victim  of  salvation." 

6.  "This  is  the  dogma  given  to  Christians,  that  bread 
is  changed  into  Flesh  and  wine  into  Blood.  What  thou  dost 
not  understand,  what  thou  dost  not  see,  a  lively  faith  con- 
firms in  a  supernatural  manner."    Prceter  rerum  ordinem: 

181 


PROPER  OF  THE  SEASON 

In  an  extraordinary  manner,  transcending  the  evidences  of 
the  senses  and  of  the  intellect. 

7.  ''Under  diiferent  species  (different)  in  externals 
{signis)  only,  and  not  in  reality  (rebus),  wondrous  sub- 
stances lie  hidden.  Flesh  is  food.  Blood  is  drink :  neverthe- 
less Christ  remains  entire  under  each  species."  The 
species  of  bread  and  wine  differ  in  their  external  appear- 
ances, in  taste,  color,  form,  etc.,  but  under  each  species 
there  is  one  and  the  same  divine  substance,  ''Christus 
totus." 

8.  ''By  the  recipient  the  whole  (Christ)  is  received;  He 
is  neither  cut,  broken,  nor  divided.  One  receives  Him;  a 
thousand  receive  Him ;  as  much  as  the  thousand  receive,  so 
much  does  the  one  receive;  though  eaten  He  is  not 
diminished. ' ' 

9.  "The  good  receive  Him,  the  bad  receive  Him,  but 
with  what  unequal  consequences  of  life  or  death.  It  is 
death  to  the  unworthy,  life  to  the  worthy:  behold  then  of 
a  like  reception,  how  unlike  may  be  the  result!" 

10.  "When  the  Sacrament  is  broken,  doubt  not,  but  re- 
member, that  there  is  just  as  much  hidden  in  a  fragment, 
as  there  is  in  the  whole.  There  is  no  division  of  the  sub- 
stance, only  a  breaking  of  the  species  takes  place,  by  which 
neither  the  state  nor  stature  of  the  substance  signified  is 
diminished. ' ' 

11.  "Lo,  the  Bread  of  Angels  is  made  the  food  of  earthly 
pilgrims:  truly  it  is  the  Bread  of  children,  let  it  not  be 
cast  to  dogs.  It  was  prefigured  in  types, — when  Isaac  was 
immolated,  when  the  Paschal  Lamb  was  sacrificed,  when 
Manna  was  given  to  the  fathers. "  Filiorum  ....  cani- 
bus:  The  children  are  the  worthy;  the  dogs  are  the  un- 
worthy. Non  est  bonum  sumere  panem  filiorum  et  mittere 
canibus  (Matt.  15,  26).  These  words  were  addressed  by 
Our  Lord  to  the  Chanaanite  woman;  the  children  alluded 
to  by  Christ  are  the  Jews,  the  seed  of  Abraham;  the  dogs 
are  the  Gentiles  who  were  so  designated  on  account  of 
their  idolatry  and  other  sinful  practices. 

12.  "0  Good  Shepherd,  True  Bread,  0  Jesus,  have  mercy 
on  us :  feed  us  and  protect  us :  make  us  see  good  things  in 
the  land  of  the  living.     Thou  who  knowest  all  things  and 

182 


CORPUS  CHRISTI 

canst  do  all  things,  who  here  feedest  us  mortals,  make  us 
there  be  Thy  guests,  the  co-heirs,  and  companions  of  the 
heavenly  citizens."  Terra  viventium:  Credo  videre  bona 
Domini  in  terra  viventium  (Ps.  26,  13). 


76 

PANGE  lingua  gloriosi 
Corporis  mysterium, 
Sanguinisque  pretiosi, 
Quem  in  mundi  pretium 
Fructus  ventris  generosi 
Rex  effudit  Gentium. 


^  Nobis  datus,  nobis  natus 
Ex  intacta  Virgine, 
Et  in  mundo  conversatus, 
Sparso  verbi  semine, 
Sui  moras  incolatus 
Miro  clausit  ordine. 


^In  supremae  nocte  coenae, 
Recumbens  cum  fratribus 
Observata  lege  plena 
Cibis  in  legalibus, 
Cibum  turbae  duodense 
Se  dat  suis  manibus. 

*Verbum  care,  panem  verum 
Verbo  carnem  efficit: 
Fitque  sanguis  Christi  merum, 
Et  si  sensus  deficit, 
Ad  firmandum  cor  sincerum 
Sola  fides  sufficit. 


^  Tantum   ergo   Sacramentum 
Veneremur  cernui: 
Et  antiquum  documentum 
Novo  cedat  ritui: 
Praestet  fides  supplementum 
Sensuum  defectui. 


Pange  Lingua 


CING,  my  tongue,  the  Saviour*s 
*^         glory, 

Of  His  Flesh  the  mystery  sing; 
Of  the  Blood,  all  price  exceeding. 
Shed  by  our  immortal  King, 
Destined,  for  the  world's  redemp- 
tion, 
From  a  noble  womb  to  spring. 

Of  a  pure  and  spotless  Virgin 
Born  for  us  on  earth  below, 
He,  as  Man,  with  man  conversing, 
Stayed,    the    seeds    of    truth    to 

sow; 
Then  He  closed  in  solemn  order 
Wondrously  His  life  of  woe. 

On  the  night  of  that  Last  Supper 
Seated  with  His  chosen  band, 
He,  the  Paschal  victim  eating. 
First  fulfills  the  Law's  command: 
Then  as  Food  to  all  His  brethren 
Gives  Himself  with  His  own  hand. 

Word  made  Flesh,  the  bread  of 

nature 
By  His  word  to  Flesh  He  turns; 
Wine  into  His  Blood  He  changes: 
What    though    sense    no    change 

discerns? 
Only  be  the  heart  in  earnest. 
Faith  her  lesson  quickly  learns. 

Down  in  adoration  falling, 
Lo!  the  sacred  Host  we  hail; 
Lo!  o'er  ancient  forms  departing, 
Newer  rites  of  grace  prevail; 
Faith  for  all  defects  supplying. 
Where  the  feeble  senses  fail. 


183 


PROPER  OF  THE  SEASON 

^Genitori,  Genitoque  To  the  everlasting  Father, 

Laus  et  jubilatio,  And  the  Son  who  reigns  on  high, 

Salus,  honor,  virtus  quoque  With  the  Holy  Ghost  proceeding 

Sit  et  benedictio:  Forth  from  Each  eternally, 

Procedenti  ab  utroque  Be  salvation,  honor,  blessing, 

Compar  sit  laudatio.  Might,  and  endless  majesty. 

See  ''Preliminary  Observations"  above.  Meter: 
Trochaic  tetrameter.  Translation  by  Father  Caswall. 
There  are  about  twenty-five  translations,  eight  of  which 
are  in  Mr.  Shipley's  Annus  Sanctus,  Liturgical  Use: 
Vespers  hymn  on  the  Feast  of  Corpus  Christi :  the  Tantum 
Ergo  and  doxology  are  sung  during  Benediction  of  the 
Blessed  Sacrament.  It  is  used  also  as  a  processional  hymn 
on  Holy  Thursday,  Corpus  Christi,  and  during  the  Forty 
Hours'  Adoration. 

The  Pange  Lingua  is  pre-eminently  the  hymn  of  the  Most 
Blessed  Sacrament.  It  is  the  most  beautiful  of  the  great 
Eucharistic  hymns  of  St.  Thomas.  ''This  hymn,"  says 
Dr.  Neale,  "contests  the  second  place  among  those  of  the 
Western  Church  with  the  Vexilla  Regis,  the  Stahat  Mater, 
the  Jesu  dulcis  memoria,  the  Ad  regias  Agni  dapes,  the  Ad 
Supernam,  and  one  or  two  others,  leaving  the  Dies  Ires  in 
its  unapproachable  glory.  It  has  been  a  bow  of  Ulysses  to 
translators"  {Medieval  Hymns,  p.  179).  The  Pa/nge 
Lingua  of  St.  Thomas  is,  according  to  Dr.  Julian — "One 
of  the  finest  of  medieval  Latin  hymns ;  a  wonderful  union 
of  sweetness  of  melody  with  clear-cut  dogmatic  teaching" 
{Diet,  of  Hymnology,  p.  878).  With  the  addition  of  rhyme, 
St.  Thomas  imitates  in  this  beautiful  hymn  the  Pange 
Lingua  of  Fortunatus. 

1.  "Sing,  0  my  tongue,  the  mystery  of  the  glorious 
Body  and  of  the  precious  Blood,  which  the  King  of  the 
Gentiles,  the  fruit  of  a  noble  womb,  shed  for  the  redemp- 
tion of  the  world. ' ' 

2.  ' '  Given  to  us,  and  born  for  us  of  a  stainless  Virgin,  He 
dwelt  on  earth  sowing  the  seed  of  the  word,  and  closed  in 
a  wondrous  manner  the  days  of  His  earthly  sojourning." 
Nobis  datus:  Parvulus  enim  natus  est  nobis  et  filius  datus 
est  nobis  .  .  .  et  vocabitur  nomen  ejus,  Admirabilis,  Con- 
siliarius,  Deus  Fortis,  Pater  futuri  saeculi,  Princeps  pacis 

184 


CORPUS  CHRISTI 

(Is.  9,  6).  Sparso  verbi  semine:  Our  Lord  is  the  sower  in 
the  beautiful  ''Parable  of  the  Sower"  (Matt.  13;  Mark  4; 
Luke  8) ;  the  seed  is  the  good  tidings  of  the  kingdom  of 
God,  which  Christ  came  on  earth  to  sow  in  the  hearts  of 
men.  Miro  clausit  ordine;  What  this  ''wondrous  manner" 
was  is  explained  in  the  next  two  stanzas. 

3.  "On  the  night  of  the  Last  Supper,  reclining  with  His 
brethren — the  Law  having  been  fully  complied  with  in  re- 
gard to  legal  meats — with  His  own  hands,  He  gives  Him- 
self as  Food  to  the  assembled  twelve."  Turhce  duodence, 
to  the  assembly  twelve  in  number.  For  duodena,  see  denus 
in  the  Glossary.    Cibis  in  legalibus  (cf.  Exod.  12,  3-11). 

4.  "The  Word-made-Flesh  changes  by  His  word  true 
bread  into  His  Flesh;  and  wine  becomes  the  Blood  of 
Christ ;  and  if  the  intellect  does  not  grasp  this,  faith  alone 
suffices  to  make  sure  the  sincere  heart."  This  stanza,  on 
account  of  the  many  verbal  and  real  antitheses  it  contains, 
has  been  "the  great  crux  of  the  translator"  (Neale).  In 
the  article  on  the  Pange  Lingua  in  the  Cath.  Encycl.  there 
are  seven  translations  of  this  stanza  and  much  interesting 
comment.  Verbum  caro:  the  Incarnate  Word,  the  God- 
Man,  the  Word-made-Flesh  (cf.  John  1,  1-14). 

5.  "Let  us  therefore,  prostrate,  adore  so  great  a  Sacra- 
ment, and  let  the  Old  Law  give  way  to  the  New  Ordinance ; 
let  faith  supplement  the  weakness  of  the  senses."  Et 
antiquum  ....  ritui:  and  let  the  Old  Law  (with  its 
typic  sacrifices  and  Paschal  Lamb)  give  way  to  the  New 
Rite  (in  which  the  Lamb  of  God  is  sacrificed).  Cernui, 
adj.,  prostrate,  profoundly  bowed;  with  deep  humility. 

6.  "To  the  Father  and  to  the  Son  be  praise,  glory,  salva- 
tion, honor,  power,  and  benediction  also!  and  to  Him  pro- 
ceeding from  Them  both  be  equal  praise. ' ' 

77  Sacris  solemniis  juncta  sint  gaudia 

SACRIS   solemniis  juncta  sint       A  T  this  our  solemn  Feast, 
gaudia,  -^*-  Let  holy  joys  abound, 

Et    ex    praecordiis    sonent    prse-     And  from  the  inmost  breast 
conia;  Let  songs  of  praise  resound; 

Let  ancient  rites  depart, 
185 


PROPER  OF  THE  SEASON 

Recedant  vetera,  nova  sint  omnia,     And  all  be  new  around, 

Corda,  voces,  et  opera.  In  ev'ry  act  and  voice  and  heart. 


'Noctis  recolitur  ccena  novissima. 
Qua  Christus  creditur  agnum  et 

azyma 
Dedisse  fratribus,  juxta  legitima 
Priscis  indulta  patribus. 


'Post    agnum    typicum,    expletis 

epulis. 
Corpus    Dominicum    datum    dis- 

cipulis. 
Sic  totum  omnibus,  quod  totum 

singulis, 
Ejus  fatemur  manibus. 


*Dedit  fragilibus  corporis  fercu- 

lum, 
Dedit  et  tristibus  sanguinis  pocu- 

lum, 
Dicens:      accipite     quod     trado 

vasculum, 
Omnes  ex  eo  bibite. 

^  Sic  sacrificium  istud  instituit, 
Cujus  officium  committi  voluit 
Solis     presbyteris,     quibus     sic 

congruit, 
Ut  sumant,  et  dent  ceteris. 


^Panis  angelicus  fit  panis  homi- 

num; 
Dat  panis  coelicus  figuris  termi- 

num: 
0  res  mirabilis,  manducat  Domi- 

nvun 
Pauper,  servus,  et  humilis. 

^  Te  trina  Deitas  unaque  poscimus. 
Sic  nos  tu  visita,   sicut  te  coli- 
mus: 


Remember  we  that  eve. 

When,  the  Last  Supper  spread, 

Christ,  as  we  all  believe. 

The  lamb,  with  leavenless  bread, 

Among  His  brethren  shared. 

And  thus  the  Law  obeyed, 

Of  old  unto  their  sires  declared. 

The  typic  lamb  consumed, 
The  legal  Feast  complete, 
The  Lord  unto  the  Twelve 
His  Body  gave  to  eat; 
The  whole  to  all,  no  less 
The  whole  to  each,  did  mete 
With    His    own     hands,     as    we 
confess. 

He  gave  them,  weak  and  frail, 
His  Flesh,  their  food  to  be; 
On  them,  downcast  and  sad, 
His  Blood  bestowed  He: 
And  thus  to  them  He  spake, 
"Receive  this  Cup  from  Me, 
And  all  of  you  of  this  partake." 

So  He  this  Sacrifice 

To  institute  did  will, 

And  charged  His  priests  alone 

That  oflBce  to  fulfil : 

In  them  He  did  confide: 

To  whom  pertaineth  still 

To  take,  and  to  the  rest  divide. 

Thus  Angels'  Bread  is  made 

The  Bread  of  man  to-day: 

The  Living  Bread  from  Heaven 

With  figures  doth  away: 

0  wondrous  gift  indeed! 

The  poor  and  lowly  may 

Upon  their  Lord  and  Master  feed. 

O  Triune  Deity, 

To  Thee  we  meekly  pray, 

So  mayst  Thou  visit  us, 


186 


CORPUS  CHRISTI 

Per   tuas    semitas   due   nos   quo     As  we  our  homage  pay; 

tendimus,  And  in  Thy  footsteps  bright 

Ad  lucem,  quam  inhabitas.  Conduct  us  on  our  way 

To  where  Thou  dwell'st  in  cloud- 
less light. 

See  ''Preliminary  Observations"  above.  Meter:  As- 
clepiadic  and  Glyconic.  Translation,  a  cento  based  on  the 
translation  by  J.  D.  Chambers.  There  are  about  Mteen 
translations,  two  of  which  are  in  the  Annus  Sanctus. 
Liturgical  Use:  Matins  hymn  for  the  Feast  of  Corpus 
Christi.  The  meter  imitates  the  classical  meter  of  Horace, 
but  like  all  the  hymns  of  St.  Thomas,  it  is  purely  accentual. 
On  account  of  the  rhyme,  the  Asclepiadic  lines  may  be 
conveniently  divided  at  the  caesura. 

1.  "With  this  sacred  solemnity  let  our  joys  be  blended, 
and  from  our  inmost  heart  let  praises  resound;  let  old 
things  depart,  let  all  be  new — hearts,  words,  and  works." 
Vetera:  the  olden  rites,  the  Pasch  and  its  attendant  cere- 
monies; or,  sin,  sinful  habits,  the  leaven  of  malice  and 
wickedness  (I  Cor.  5,  7-8).  Nova:  let  all  things  be  new,  or 
renewed  by  the  grace  of  God. 

2.  "Of  that  night,  the  Last  Supper  is  recalled  to  mind, 
at  which  we  believe  that  Christ  gave  the  lamb  and  the 
leavenless  bread  to  His  brethren,  according  to  the  legal 
precepts  given  to  the  ancient  fathers."     (cf.  Exod.  12-13.) 

3.  "After  the  typic  lamb,  and  when  the  meal  was  ended, 
we  profess  that  Our  Lord,  with  His  own  hands,  gave  His 
Body  to  His  brethren;  He  so  gave  It  that  the  whole  was 
given  to  all,  and  the  whole  to  each."    Totum  (sc.  corpus). 

4.  "He  gave  to  the  weak  His  Body  as  food,  and  He  gave 
to  the  sad  the  cup  of  His  Blood,  saying:  Receive  ye  the 
cup  which  I  give  to  you,  drink  ye  all  of  it. ' ' 

5.  "Thus  He  instituted  this  Sacrifice  (Sacrament)  the 
administration  of  which  He  willed  should  be  entrusted  to 
priests  alone,  whom  it  thus  behooves  to  receive  it  them- 
selves, and  to  give  it  to  others. ' ' 

6.  "The  Bread  of  Angels  becomes  the  Bread  of  men; 
the  Bread  of  Heaven  puts  an  end  to  types;  0  wondrous 
thing,  the  poor,  the  servant,  and  the  lowly,  eat  their  Lord ! ' ' 
Panis  angelicus  and  panis  coelicus  are  Scriptural  allusions 

187 


PROPER  OF  THE  SEASON 

to  the  manna  of  old,  which  was  a  type  of  the  Manna  of  the 
New  Law.  Et  pluit  illis  manna  ad  manducandum,  et  panem 
ccbH  dedit  eis.  Panem  angelorum  manducavit  homo: 
cibaria  misit  eis  in  abundantia  (Ps.  77,  24-25). 

7.  * '  0  triune  Deity,  we  beseech  Thee,  that  Thou  visit  us, 
as  we  adore  Thee ;  lead  us  by  Thy  ways,  whither  we  direct 
our  steps,  to  the  light  wherein  Thou  dost  dwell. ' ' 


78 


Verbum  supernum  prodiens 


VERBUM  supernum  prodiens, 
Nee    Patris    linquens    dexte- 
ram, 
Ad  opus  suura  exiens, 
Venit  ad  vitae  vesperam. 

^  In  mortem  a  discipulo 
Suis  tradendus  aemulis, 
Prius  in  vitae  ferculo 
Se  tradidit  discipulis. 

^Quibus  sub  bina  specie 
Carnem  dedit  et  sanguinem; 
Ut  duplicis  substantias 
Totum  cibaret  hominem. 


*Se  nascens  dedit  socium, 
Convescens  in  edulium, 
Se  moriens  in  pretium, 
Se  regnans  dat  in  prasmium. 


^0  salutaris  hostia, 
Quae  coeli  pandis  ostium, 
Bella  premunt  hostilia, 
Da  robur,  fer  auxiliura. 

•Uni  trinoque  Domino, 
Sit  sempiterna   gloria: 
Qui  vitam  sine  termino 
Nobis  donet  in  patria. 


THE  Heav'nly  Word  proceeding 
forth. 
Yet  leaving  not  the  Father's  side, 
And  going  to  His  work  on  earth 
Had     reached     at     length     life's 
eventide. 

By  false  disciple  to  be  given 
To  foemen  for  His  Blood  athirst. 
Himself,   the  Living   Bread  from 

Heaven, 
He  gave  to  His  disciples  first. 

To  them  He  gave,  in  two-fold  kind, 
His  very  Flesh,  His  very  Blood: 
In    love's    own    fulness   thus    de- 
signed 
Of  the  whole  man  to  be  the  food. 

By  birth,  our  fellow-man  was  He; 
Our    meat,    while    sitting    at    the 

board; 
He  died,  our  ransomer  to  be; 
He  ever  reigns,  our  great  reward. 

O  saving  Victim,  opening  wide 
The  gate  of  heaven  to  man  below. 
Our  foes  press  on  from  every  side, 
Thine   aid    supply.   Thy    strength 
bestow. 

To   Thy    great   Name   be   endless 

praise. 
Immortal  Godhead,  One  in  Three; 
0  grant  us  endless  length  of  days 
In  our  true  native  land,  with  Thee. 


188 


CORPUS  CHRISTI 

See  the  *^ Preliminary  Observations"  above.  Meter: 
Iambic  dimeter.  Translation  by  J.  M.  Neale ;  the  last  two 
stanzas  by  Father  Caswall.  There  are  about  twenty-five 
translations,  four  of  which  are  in  the  Annus  Sanctus. 
Liturgical  Use:  Hymn  for  Lauds  on  the  Feast  of  Corpus 
Christi.  The  0  Salutaris  is  familiar  from  its  frequent  use 
in  Benediction.  In  this  beautiful  hymn  St.  Thomas  imitates 
the  hymn  Verbum  Supernum^  No.  36.  The  fourth  stanza 
is  an  admirable  example  of  perfect  form  and  condensed 
meaning.  It  so  pleased  Rousseau  that  he  would  have  given 
all  his  poetry  to  be  its  author. 

1.  ''The  Heavenly  Word  going  forth,  yet  not  leaving 
the  right  hand  of  His  Father,  went  forth  to  His  allotted 
work,  and  arrived  at  the  evening  of  His  life."  Verbum: 
the  Word,  the  Eternal  Son  of  the  Father  (cf.  John  1,  1-14). 
Dexter  ami:  the  place  of  honor  and  dignity;  by  the  incarna- 
tion Christ  did  not  relinquish  this.  Opus:  Christ  said:  Me 
oportet  operari  opera  ejus  qui  misit  me,  etc.  (John  9,  4). 

2.  ''When  about  to  be  delivered  over  to  His  enemies,  by 
a  disciple,  to  be  put  to  death.  He  first  gave  Himself  to  His 
disciples  as  the  Bread  of  Life." 

3.  "To  them  He  gave  His  Flesh  and  His  Blood  under  a 
twofold  species,  that  He  might  wholly  feed  man,  who  is  of 
a  twofold  nature."  The  Holy  Eucharist  is  primarily  the 
food  of  the  soul;  but  on  account  of  the  intimate  union  of 
the  body  and  soul,  what  promotes  the  health  and  vigor  of 
the  soul,  by  a  sort  of  redundancy  augments  the  powers  of 
the  body.  The  Holy  Eucharist  is  a  figure  of  that  bread 
which  Elias  ate,  "and  walked  in  the  strength  of  that  food 
forty  days  and  forty  nights"  (cf.  Ill  Kings  19,  6-8). 

4.  "By  being  born,  He  gave  Himself  to  us  as  our  com- 
panion; at  the  table,  He  gave  Himself  as  our  food;  dying 
He  gave  Himself  as  our  ransom;  now  reigning  in  glory 
He  gives  Himself  as  our  reward."  Se  nascens,  by  His 
incarnation.  Convescens  (convescor),  while  eating  with 
His  apostles  at  the  Last  Supper,  He  gave,  etc.  Se  moriens, 
when  dying  on  the  Cross,  He  gave,  etc. 

5.  "0  Saving  Victim,  that  openest  the  gate  of  heaven; 
hostile  attacks  oppress  us,  give  us  strength,  bring  us  aid." 
Hostia,   victim,   host,   sacrifice.     According   to    St.    Paul, 

189 


PROPER  OF  THE  SEASON 

Christ  **  delivered  Himself  for  us,  an  oblation  and  a  sacri- 
fice (hostiam)  to  God  for  an  odor  of  sweetness"  (Eph.  5, 
2;  Rom.  12,  1).  Bella:  hostile  assaults  of  the  world,  the 
flesh,  and  the  devil.  Militia  est  vita  hominis  super 
terram  (Job  7,  1). 

6.  "Eternal  glory  be  to  the  Triune  God,  who  giveth  us 
life  without  end  in  our  native  land  above. ' ' 


79 


Adoro  te  devote,  latens  Deltas 


ADORO     te     devote, 
Deitas, 
Quae  sub  his  figuris  vera  latitas: 
Tibi  se  cor  meum  totum  subjicit, 
Quia  te  contemplans,  totum  de- 
ficit 


latens     TTIDDEN  God,  devoutly  I  adore 
11      Thee, 
Truly    present    underneath    these 

veils: 
All  my  heart  subdues  itself  before 

Thee, 
Since  it  all  before  Thee  faints  and 

fails. 


^  Visus,  tactus,  gustus  in  te  f allitur, 
Sed  auditu  solo  tuto  creditur. 
Credo  quidquid  dixit  Dei  Filius, 
Nil  hoc  verbo  veritatis  verius. 


Not  to  sight,  or  taste,  or  touch  be 

credit, 
Hearing  only  do  we  trust  secure; 
I  believe,  for  God  the  Son  hath 

said  it — 
Word    of   Truth    that   ever   shall 

endure. 


'  In  cruce  latebat  sola  Deitas, 
At  hie  latet  simul  et  humanitas: 
Ambo  tamen  credens,  atque  con- 

fitens, 
Peto  quod  petivit  latro  poenitens. 


On  the  Cross  was  veiled  Thy 
Godhead's  splendor, 

Here  Thy  Manhood  lieth  hidden 
too; 

Unto  both  alike  ray  faith  I  render. 

And,  as  sued  the  contrite  thief,  I 
sue. 


*Plagas,  sicut  Thomas,  non  in- 
tueor : 

Deum  tamen  meum  te  confiteor. 

Fac  me  tibi  semper  magis  cre- 
dere. 

In  te  spem  habere,  te  diligere. 


Though  I  look  not  on  Thy  womids 

with  Thomas, 
Thee,    my    Lord,    and    Thee,    my 

God,  I  call: 
Make  me  more  and  more  believe 

Thy  promise, 
Hope  in  Thee,  and  love  Thee  over 

all. 


190 


CORPUS  CHRISTI 

^  0  memoriale  mortis  Domini,  0  Memorial  of  My  Saviour  dying, 

Panis  vivus  vitam  praestans  ho-     Living  Bread,  that  givest  life  to 

mini,  man ; 

Praesta  meae  menti  de  te  vivere.  May  my  soul,  its  life  from  Thee 
Et  te  illi  semper  dulce  sapere.  supplying. 

Taste  Thy  sweetness,  as  on  earth 
it  can. 

•  Pie  pellicane  Jesu  Domine,  Deign,  0  Jesus,  Pelican  of  heaven, 

Me  immundum  munda  tuo  san-  Me,  a  sinner,  in  Thy  Blood  to  lave, 

guine:  To  a  single  drop  of  which  is  given 

Cujus  una  stilla  salvum  facere  All  the  world  from  all  its  sin  to 
Totum    mundum    quit    ab    omni  save. 

scelere. 

'  Jesu,  quem  velatum  nunc  aspicio :     Contemplating,  Lord,  Thy  hidden 

Oro  fiat  illud,  quod  tam  sitio:  presence, 

Ut  te  revelata  cernens  facie,  Grant  me  what   I  thirst  for  and 

Visu  sim  beatus  tuae  glorias.  implore. 

In  the  revelation  of  Thine  essence 
To  behold  Thy  glory  evermore. 

See  "Preliminary  Observations"  above.  Meter: 
Trochaic  trimeter,  catalectic.  The  first  line  has  a  syllable 
of  anacrusis,  i.e.,  an  upward  beat  before  beginning  the 
regular  meter.  Translation  by  Justice  John  O'Hagan. 
There  are  about  twenty-five  translations.  The  Adoro  Te 
Devote  is  found  in  the  ''Thanksgiving  after  Mass"  in  the 
front  part  of  the  Missal.  A  part  of  it  is  frequently  sung 
in  Benediction.  It  is  an  excellent  example  of  rhymed 
prayer  expressed  in  the  simplest  language. 

1.  ''I  devoutly  adore  Thee,  0  hidden  Deity,  who  truly 
liest  hidden  under  these  figures.  My  whole  heart  subjects 
itself  to  Thee,  for  it  finds  itself  wholly  lost  in  contemplating 
Thee." 

2.  ''Sight,  touch,  and  taste  are  each  deceived  in  Thee, 
but  by  hearing  only  can  we  safely  believe :  I  believe  what- 
ever the  Son  of  God  hath  said;  nothing  can  be  more  true 
than  this  word  of  Him  who  is  the  Truth."  Veritas:  Ego 
sum  via,  et  Veritas,  et  vita  (John  14,  6).  Christ  is  the 
source  and  fountain  of  all  truth. 

3.  "On  the  Cross  was  hidden  Thy  Divinity  alone,  but 
here  Thy  Humanity  also  lies  concealed;  nevertheless  be- 

191 


PROPER  OF  THE  SEASON 

lieving  and  confessing  both,  I  pray  for  what  the  penitent 
thief  did  pray."  Petivit  latro  poenitens:  Et  dicebat  ad 
Jesum :  Domine,  memento  mei,  cum  veneris  in  regnnm  tuum 
(Luke  23,  42). 

4.  *'Thy  Wounds,  I  do  not  see,  as  Thomas  did,  yet  do  I 
confess  Thee  to  be  my  God:  make  me  ever  more  and  more 
believe  in  Thee,  put  my  hope  in  Thee,  and  love  Thee.'* 
Flag  as  sicut  Thomas:  (cf.  John  20,  27-28). 

5.  ''0  Memorial  of  the  Lord's  death,  0  Living  Bread  that 
givest  life  to  man:  grant  to  my  soul  ever  to  live  on  Thee, 
and  that  Thou  mayest  ever  taste  sweet  to  it."  Illi  (sc. 
menti). 

6.  '^0  loving  Pelican,  Jesus  Lord,  cleanse  me,  unclean, 
in  Thy  Blood,  one  drop  of  which  hath  power  to  save  the 
whole  world  from  all  its  sin."  Pie  pelicane:  The  pelican 
is  a  symbol  of  Christ  and  of  charity.  There  is  a  legend 
that  when  food  fails,  the  pelican  feeds  her  young  with  her 
own  blood.  When  she  is  thus  represented  in  Christian  art, 
she  is  said  to  be  *4n  her  piety,"  i.  e.,  standing  over  her  nest 
with  her  wings  extended,  and  wounding  her  breast  from 
which  fall  drops  of  blood. 

7.  '^0  Jesus,  Thou  whom  veiled  I  now  behold,  I  be- 
seech Thee  that  what  I  so  thirst  for  may  happen :  that  be- 
holding Thee  with  Thy  countenance  unveiled,  I  may  be 
happy  in  the  vision  of  Thy  glory."  See  the  articles  on 
Beatific  Vision,  and  on  Heaven,  esp.  Part  III,  in  the  Cath. 
Encycl. 


80 


Ave  verum  Corpus  natum 


AVE  verum  Corpus  natum 
De  Maria  Virgine, 
Vere  passum,  immolatum 

In  cruce  pro  homine, 
Cujus  latus  perforatum 

iJnda  fluxit  et  sanguine, 
Esto  nobis  praegustatum 

Mortis  in  examine. 
0  clemens,  O  pie, 

0  dulcis  Jesu,  Fili  Mariae. 


HAIL,  true  Body,  truly  born 
Of  the  Virgin  Mary  mild, 
Truly  offered,  racked  and  torn, 
On  the  Cross,  for  man  defiled, 
From  whose   love-pierced,   sacred 

side 
Flowed  Thy  true   Blood's  saving 

tide: 
Be  a  foretaste  sweet  to  me 
In  my  death's  great  agony, 
0  Thou  loving,  gentle  One, 
Sweetest  Jesus,  Mary's  Son. 


192 


CORPUS  CHRISTI 

Author:  Probably  by  Pope  Innocent  VI  (d.  1362). 
Meter:  Trochaic  tetrameter  catalectic.  Translation  by 
Father  Edward  F.  Garesche,  S.J.  There  are  ten  transla- 
tions. This  beautiful  little  hymn  was  formerly  sung  at  the 
Elevation  of  the  Host  in  Mass.  It  is  not  found  in  the 
Breviary  or  Missal.    The  Latin  texts  differ  slightly. 

1.  ''Hail,  true  Body,  born  of  the  Virgin  Mary,  which 
truly  suffered  and  was  immolated  on  the  Cross  for  man; 
whose  pierced  side  streamed  with  Water  and  with  Blood. 
Be  Thou  to  us  a  foretaste  (of  heaven)  when  we  are  in  the 
agony  of  death.  0  clement,  0  loving,  0  sweet  Jesus,  Son 
of  Mary." 


81 


Anima  Christi 


ANIMA  Christi,  sanctifica  me. 
Corpus  Christi,  salva  me. 
Sanguis  Christi,  inebria  me. 
Aqua  lateris  Christi,  lava  me. 
Passio  Christi,   conforta  me. 
0  bone  Jesu,  exaudi  me. 
Intra  tua  vulnera  absconde  me. 
Ne  permittas  me  separari  a  te. 
Ab  hoste  maligno  defende  me. 
In  hora  mortis  meae  voca  me. 
Et  jube  me  venire  ad  te. 
Ut  cum  Sanctis  tuis  laudem  te. 
In  saecula  saeculorum.     Amen. 


SANCTIFY  me  wholly,  Soul  of 
Christ  adored; 
Be  my  sure  Salvation,  Body  of  the 

Lord: 
Fill  and  satisfy  me,  0  Thou  Blood 

unpriced: 
Wash  me.  Sacred  Water,  from  the 

side  of  Christ. 
Passion    of   my   Saviour,    be   my 

strength  in  need: 
Good  and  gracious  Jesus,  to  my 

prayer  give  heed: 
In  Thy  Wounds  most  precious  let 

me  refuge  find: 
All  the  power  malignant  of  the 

foeman  bind: 
At  death's  final  hour,  call  me  to 

Thy  face: 
Bid  me  stand  beside  Thee  in  the 

heavenly  place: 
There  with  Saints  and  Angels   I 

shall  sing  to  Thee 
Through    the    countless    ages    of 

eternity. 


Author:  Unknown,  14th  cent.  Translation  by  T.  I. 
Ball.  There  are  about  fifteen  translations  in  prose  or 
verse.    The  Anima  Christi  has  never  been  in  liturgical  use 

193 


PROPER  OF  THE  SEASON 

in  the  Church.  It  is,  however,  found  in  most  Missals  and 
Breviaries  in  the  * '  Thanksgiving  after  Mass. ' '  This  beauti- 
ful prayer  has  been  richly  indulgenced  for  priests  who  re- 
cite it  after  Mass. 

The  Anima  Christi  is  popularly  believed  to  have  been 
composed  by  St.  Ignatius  of  Loyola,  who  places  it  at  the 
beginning  of  his  Spiritual  Exercises,  and  frequently  refers 
to  it.  But  as  the  Anima  Christi  dates  from  1330  or  earlier, 
and  St.  Ignatius  was  born  in  1491,  it  is  impossible  that  he 
should  have  been  the  author  of  it.  See  the  article  on  the 
Anima  Christi  in  the  Cath.  Encycl.  The  popular  metrical 
translation  ''Soul  of  my  Saviour  sanctify  my  breast"  dates 
from  1882 :  its  author  is  not  known. 


Feast  of  the  Sacred  Heart 
the  friday  after  the  octave  of  corpus  christi 


82 


Auctor  beate  sceculi 


AUCTOR  beate  saeculi, 
Christe  Redemptor  omnium: 
Lumen  Patris  de  lumine, 
Deusque  verus  de  Deo. 


'Amor  coegit  te  tuus 
Mortale  corpus  sumere, 
Ut  novus  Adam  redderes. 
Quod  vetus  ille  abstulerat. 


'Ille  amor  almus  artifex 
Terrae  marisque,  et  siderum, 
Errata  patrum  miserans, 
Et  nostra  rumpens  vincula. 


0  CHRIST,  the  world's  Creator 
bright, 
Who     didst    mankind    from    sin 

redeem, 
Light  from  the  Father's  glorious 

Light, 
True  God  of  God,  in  bliss  supreme. 

Thy     love     compelled     Thee    to 

assume 
A  mortal  body,  man  to  save; 
Reversing  the  old  Adam's  doom; 
Our  ransom  the  New  Adam  gave. 

That  love  which  gloriously  framed 

all— 
The  earth,  the  stars,  and  wondrous 

sea — 
Took  pity  on  our  parents'  fall, 
Broke  all  our  bonds  and  set  us 

free. 


194 


THE  SACRED  HEART 

*Non  corde  discedat  tuo  0  Saviour,  let  Thy  potent  love 

Vis  ilia  amoris  inclyti:  Flow    ever    from    Thy   bounteous 

Hoc  fonte  gentes  hauriant  Heart; 

Remissionis  gratiam.  To  nations  that  pure  fount  above 

The  grace  of  pardon  will  impart. 

''Percussum  ad  hoc  est  lancea,  His   Heart    for   this    was    opened 

Passumque  ad  hoc  est  vulnera:  wide, 

Ut  nos  lavaret  sordibus,  And    wounded    by    the    soldier's 

Unda  fluente,  et  sanguine.  spear. 

That  freely  from  His  sacred  side 
Might  flow  the  streams  our  souls 
to  clear. 

'Decus  Parenti,  et  Filio,  Glory  to  Father  and  to  Son, 

Sanctoque  sit  Spiritui,  And  to  the  Holy  Ghost  the  same, 

Quibus  potestas,  gloria  To  whom  all  power,  when  time  is 

Regnumque  in  omne  est  saeculum.  done, 

And  endless  rule,  in  endless  fame. 

Author:  Unknown,  18  cent.  Meter:  Iambic  dimeter. 
Translatioist  by  Father  Hnsenbeth.  There  are  eight  trans- 
lations. Liturgical  Use:  Hymn  for  Vespers.  Of  the  five 
hymns  given  here  in  honor  of  the  Sacred  Heart,  the  Annus 
Sanctus  contains  two  translations  of  Nos.  82,  83,  84,  and 
one  each  of  Nos.  85  and  86.  These  hymns  are  evidently 
the  work  of  the  same  author.  '*  Their  play  of  fancy  and 
of  imagination,  their  rhetorical  finish,  their  condensed 
phraseology,  give  clear  intimations  of  a  skill  which  has 
profited  by  the  models  constructed  by  St.  Ambrose.  They 
abound,  too,  in  Biblical  allusions,  every  stanza  recalling 
some  type,  or  figure,  or  prophecy,  or  fulfilment"  (Msgr. 
Henry,  in  his  Eucharistica,  p.  235). 

1.  *'0  Blessed  Creator  of  the  world,  Christ,  the  Re- 
deemer of  all,  Light  of  the  Father's  Light,  and  true  God  of 
God."  The  words  Lumen  de  lumine,  Deus  verus  de  Deo 
(vero)  are  from  the  Nicene  Creed.  They  express  the  doc- 
trine of  the  eternal  generation  of  the  Word,  the  Creator  of 
all  things  (John  1,  1-3). 

2.  ''Thy  love  constrained  Thee  to  assume  a  mortal  body, 
that  the  New  Adam  might  restore  what  the  old  Adam  had 
taken  away. ' '  For  the  parallel  between  Christ  and  Adam, 
see  Rom.  5, 12-21. 

195 


PROPER  OF  THE  SEASON 

3.  "That  love,  the  gracious  builder  of  the  earth  and  sea 
and  stars,  took  pity  on  the  sins  of  our  fathers,  and  broke 
our  chains."  Amor  and  artifex  are  in  apposition.  Patrum, 
the  just  of  the  Old  Law. 

4.  ''May  the  power  of  Thy  wondrous  love  not  depart 
from  Thy  Heart :  let  the  nations  draw  from  that  fount  the 
grace  of  pardon. ' ' 

5.  "For  this  It  was  pierced  with  a  lance,  for  this  It  suf- 
fered wounds,  that  It  might  cleanse  us  from  our  sins  by 
the  issuing  forth  of  Water  and  Blood."  Cor  is  the  subject, 
from  the  preceding  stanza.    Ad  hoc,  for  this  purpose. 

6.  "Glory  be  to  the  Father  and  to  the  Son  and  to  the 
Holy  Ghost,  to  whom  be  power  and  glory  and  kingdom 
forever  and  ever." 


83 


En  ut  super ba  criminum 


EN  ut  superba  criminum 
Et  sseva  nostrorum  cohors 
Cor  sauciavit  innocens 
Merentis  baud  tale  Dei! 


LO,  bow  the  savage  crew 
Of  our  proud  sins  bath  rent 
The  Heart  of  our  all-gracious  God, 
That  Heart  so  innocent. 


^Vibrantis  bastam  militis 
Peccata  nostra  dirigunt: 
Ferrumque  dirae  cuspidis 
Mortale  crimen  acuit. 

'Ex  corde  scisso  Ecclesia 
Christo  jugata  nascitur: 
Hoc  ostium  Arcae  in  latere  est; 
Genti   ad   salutem  positum. 

*Ex  hoc  perennis  gratia, 
Ceu  septiformis  fluvius; 
Stolas  ut  illic  sordidas 
Lavemus  Agni  in  sanguine. 


^Turpe  est  redire  ad  crimina, 
Quae  Cor  beatum  lacerent: 
Sed  aemulemur  cordibus 
Flammas  amoris  indices. 


The  soldier's  quivering  lance 
Our  guilt  it  was  that  drave, 
Our  wicked  deeds  that  to  its  point 
Such  cruel  sharpness  gave. 

0  wounded  Heart,  whence  sprang 
The  Church,  the  Saviour's  bride; 
Thou  Door  of  our  Salvation's  Ark 
Set  in  its  mystic  side. 

Thou  holy  fount,  whence  flows 
The  sacred  sevenfold  flood, 
Where  we   our   filthy   robes  may 

cleanse 
In  the  Lamb's  saving  Blood: 

By  sorrowful  relapse, 

Thee  will  we  rend  no  more; 

But  like  the  flames,  those  types  of 

love, 
Strive  heavenward  to  soar. 


196 


THE  SACRED  HEART 

^Hoc,  Christe,  nobis,  hoc.  Pater,     father  and  Son  supreme 
Hoc  sancte,  dona,  Spiritus,  And  Spirit,  hear  our  cry; 

Quibus  potestas,  gloria  Whose  is  the  kingdom,  praise  and 

Regnumque  in  omne  est  saeculum.  power, 

Through  all  eternity. 


Author:  Unknown,  18th  cent.  Meter:  Iambic  dimeter. 
Translation  by  Father  Caswall.  There  are  six  transla- 
tions. Liturgical  Use:  Matins  hymn  for  the  Feast  of  the 
Sacred  Heart. 

1.  '' Behold,  how  the  haughty  and  savage  horde  of  our 
sins  hath  wounded  the  innocent  Heart  of  God,  who  de- 
serveth  not  such  treatment. ' '  Merentis,  of  God  not  deserv- 
ing, etc. 

2.  ''Our  sins  guide  the  lance  of  the  hesitating  soldier, 
and  mortal  sin  doth  sharpen  the  iron  of  the  cruel  shaft." 
VibroMtis  militis;  The  soldier  is  represented  as  hesitating, 
uncertain  of  the  exact  place  where  he  should  insert  the 
spear  to  pierce  the  Saviour's  Heart:  our  sins  guided  the 
spear.    Cuspidis:  cuspis,  a  point,  esp.  the  head  of  a  spear. 

3.  "From  that  pierced  Heart  was  born  the  Church  united 
with  Christ :  that  entrance  was  made  in  the  side  of  the  Ark 
for  the  salvation  of  the  human  race."  Genti  ad  salutem, 
for  the  human  race,  for  their  deliverance. 

4.  ' '  From  It  unfailing  grace  flows  forth  like  a  sevenfold 
flood,  that  therein,  in  the  Blood  of  the  Lamb,  we  may  wash 
our  sullied  robes."  In  Baptism  we  are  presented  with  a 
stola  Candida,  a  snow-white  garment,  which  is  symbolical 
of  the  sanctifying  grace  which  adorns  the  soul.  By  sin 
this  stola  camdida  becomes  a  stola  sordida.  Et  laverunt 
stolas  suas,  et  dealbaverunt  eas  in  sanguine  Agni  (Apoc. 
7,  14:  see  also  22,  14).  Septiformis  fluvius,  the  seven 
sacraments. 

5.  ' '  It  were  shameful  to  turn  again  to  sins,  which  lacer- 
ate that  blessed  Heart ;  but  let  us  in  our  hearts  emulate  the 
flames,  which  are  types  of  love." 

6.  ''Grant  us  this,  0  Christ,  this,  0  Father,  this,  0  Holy 
Spirit,  to  whom  be  power  and  glory  and  kingdom  forever. ' ' 


197 


84 


PROPER  OF  THE  SEASON 
Cor,  area  legem  continens 


COR,  area  legem  continens 
Non  servitutis  veteris, 
Sed  gratiae,  sed  veniae, 
Sad  at  misericordiae. 


^Cor,  Sanctuarium  novi 
Intemeratum  foederis, 
Templum  vetusto  sanctius, 
Velumque  scisso  utilius. 

^Te  vulneratum  caritas 
Ictu  patenti  voluit; 
Amoris   invisibilis 
Ut  vaneremur  vulnera. 


*  Hoc  sub  amoris  symbolo 
Passus  cruenta,  et  mystica, 
Utrumque  sacrificium 
Christus  Sacerdos  obtulit. 


'  Quis  non  amantem  redamet? 
Quis  non  redemptus  diligat, 
Et  Corde  in  isto  seligat 
i^^terna  tabernacula? 


•Dacus  Paranti  at  Filio, 
Sanctoque  sit  Spiritui, 
Quibus  potestas,  gloria 
Ragnumqua  in  omne  est  sseculum. 


JESUS,    behind    Thy    Temple's 
veil. 
Hid  in  an  ark  of  gold, 
On  stones  engraven,  lay  the  Law 
Thy  finger  wrote  of  old. 

But  in  Thy  Body's  temple  new, 
Thy  life-blood's  throbbing  shrine, 
Held,  upon  fleshly  tables  graved, 
The  law  of  Love  Divine. 

And  when  that  Heart  in  death  was 

stilled. 
Each  temple's  veil  was  riven: 
And    lo,    within    Thy   Love's   red 

shrine, 
To  us  Ao  look  was  given. 

There  make  us  gaze  and  see  the 

love 
Which  drew  Thee,  for  our  sake, 
0    great    High-priest,   Thyself   to 

God 
A  sacrifice  to  make. 

Thou,   Saviour,  cause  that  every 

soul 
Which  Thou  hast  loved  so  well. 
May  will  within  Thine  open  Heart 
In  life  and  death  to  dwell. 

Grant  it,  0  Father,  only  Son, 

And  Spirit,  God  of  grace. 

To   whom   all   worship   shall   be 

done. 
In  every  time  and  place. 


Author  :  Unknown,  18th  cent.  Meter  :  Iambic  dimeter. 
Translation  from  the  Marquess  of  Bute's  Roman 
Breviary.  There  are  seven  translations.  Liturgical  Use  : 
Hymn  for  Lauds  on  the  Feast  of  the  Sacred  Heart.  The 
above  translation  and  one  by  Rosa  Mulholland— ' '  0  tender 
Heart,  strong  ark  which  doth  enshrine,"  are  found  in  sev- 
eral hymnals.    Both  are  in  the  Annus  Sanctus. 

198 


THE  SACRED  HEART 

1.  **0  Heart,  Thou  ark,  which  dost  contain  the  law,  not 
the  law  of  ancient  servitude,  but  of  grace,  of  pardon,  and 
of  mercy. ' '  The  Old  Law  was  a  law  of  servitude,  and  was 
eminently  suited  to  the  hard-heartedness  of  the  Jews.  It 
was  a  law  of  fear  and  bondage  given  amid  thunders,  and 
appropriately  engraved  on  stone.  The  New  Law,  on  the 
contrary,  is  a  law  of  love  and  liberty  engraved  by  the  Holy 
Spirit  on  the  hearts  of  the  faithful. 

2.  ''0  Heart,  undefiled  sanctuary  of  the  New  Law, 
temple  more  sacred  than  that  of  old,  and  veil  more  useful 
than  that  which  was  rent."  Vetusto  (templo) ;  scisso 
(velo).    Velum,  cf.  Matt.  27,  51. 

3.  ' '  Thy  love  hath  willed  that  Thou  be  wounded  with  an 
open  wound,  that  we  might  (see  and)  venerate  the  wounds 
of  Thy  invisible  love. ' '  Ictus,  blow,  stroke,  stab.  Patenti, 
abl.  of  pres.  part,  of  patere,  2,  to  be  open. 

4.  ''Under  this  symbol  of  love.  He  suffered  in  a  bloody 
and  mystical  manner;  and  Christ  as  priest  offered  a  two- 
fold sacrifice."  The  twofold  sacrifice  is  that  of  Calvary 
(cruenta)  and  the  Mass  {mystica). 

5.  ''Who  would  not  love  in  return  one  loving  him?  Who, 
redeemed,  would  not  love  (his  Redeemer),  and  choose  in 
that  Heart  an  eternal  dwelling  place?" 


85  Quicumque  certum  quceritis 

QUICUMQUE  certum  qugeritis  A  LL  ye  who  seek  a  comfort  sure 

Rebus  levamen  asperis:  -^*-  In  trouble  and  distress, 

Seu  culpa  mordet  anxia,  Whatever  sorrow  vex  the  mind, 

Seu  poena  vos  premit  comes.  Or  guilt  the  soul  oppress: 


^Jesu,  qui,  ut  agnus  innocens,  Jesus,  who  gave  Himself  for  you 

Sese  immolandum  tradidit,  Upon  the  Cross  to  die, 

Ad  cor  reclusum  vulnere,  Opens  to  you  His  sacred  Heart; 

Ad  mite  cor  accedite.  0  to  that  Heart  draw  nigh. 

^Auditis  ut  suavissimis  Ye  hear  how  kindly  he  invites; 

Invitet  omnes  vocibus:  Ye  hear  His  words  so  blest: 

Venite  quos  gravat  labor  "All  ye  that  labor  come  to  Me, 

Premitque  pondus  criminum:  And  I  will  give  you  rest." 

199 


PROPER  OF  THE  SEASON 


*Quid  Corde  Jesu  mitius? 
Jesum  cruci  qui  affixerant 
Excusat,  et  Patrem  rogat 
Ne  perdat  ultor  impios. 


^0  Cor,  voluptas  CcElitum, 
Cor,  fida  spes  mortalium, 
En  hisce  tracti  vocibus, 
Ad  te  venimus  supplices. 

'Tu  nostra  terge  vulnera 
Ex  te  fluente  sanguine 
Tu  da  novum  cor  omnibus 
Qui  te  gementes  invocant. 


What  meeker  than  the  Saviour's 

Heart? 
As  on  the  Cross  He  lay, 
It  did  His  murderers  forgive, 
And  for  their  pardon  pray. 

0  Heart,  Thou  joy  of  Saints  on 

high. 
Thou  hope  of  sinners  here, 
Attracted  by  those  loving  words 
To  Thee  I  lift  my  prayer. 

Wash  thou  my  wounds  in  that  dear 

Blood, 
Which  forth  from  Thee  doth  flow; 
New  grace,  new  hope   inspire,   a 

new 
And  better  heart  bestow. 


Authob:  Unknown,  18th  cent.  Meter:  Iambic  dimeter. 
Translation  by  Father  Caswall.  There  are  six  transla- 
tions. Father  Caswall 's  translation  is  a  great  favorite 
with  hymn  book  compilers,  both  Catholic  and  non-Catholic. 
Liturgical  Use  :  Hymn  for  Vespers  and  Matins  in  an  Office 
of  the  Sacred  Heart  granted  by  special  concession.  This 
and  the  following  hymn  are  not  found  in  the  latest  edition 
of  the  Breviary. 

1.  *'A11  ye  who  seek  an  unfailing  consolation  in  ad- 
versity, whether  uneasy  guilt  gnaws  at  you,  or  punishment, 
its  companion,  oppresses  you." 

2.  *' Approach  that  Heart  disclosed  by  a  wound,  the 
gentle  Heart  of  Jesus,  who,  as  an  innocent  lamb,  gave  Him- 
self up  to  be  sacrificed."    Jesu  is  the  genitive  after  Cor. 

3.  '*Ye  hear  how,  with  the  sweetest  words  He  invites  all: 
'Come  ye  whom  labor  doth  weigh  down,  and  a  weight  of 
sins  doth  oppress.'  "  Venite  ad  me  omnes  qui  laboratis  et 
onerati  estis,  et  ego  reficiam  vos  (Matt.  11,  28). 

4.  ''What  is  more  meek  than  the  Heart  of  Jesus?  Even 
those  who  had  fastened  Jesus  to  the  Cross,  It  excuses,  and 
It  implores  the  Father  that  as  an  avenger  He  destroy  not 
the  godless."  Pater,  dimitte  illis:  non  enim  sciunt,  quid 
faciunt  (Luke  23,  34). 

5.  "0  Heart,  the  delight  of  the  Blessed,  0  Heart,  the 

200 


THE  SACRED  HEART 

surest  hope  of  mortals,  lo,  attracted  by  these  words,  we 
suppliantly  come  to  Thee. ' '  Hisce  vocibus,  viz.,  in  the  two 
preceding  stanzas. 

6.  ' '  Cleanse  Thou  our  wounds  in  the  Blood  flowing  from 
Thee ;  grant  a  new  heart  to  all,  who  sighing  invoke  Thee. ' ' 
Novum  cor,  a  new  life. 


86 


Summi  Parentis  Filio 


SUMMI  Parentis  Filio, 
Patri  futuri  sseculi, 
Pacis  beatae  Principi, 
Promamus  ore  canticum. 


OTHOU,  the  Son  of  God  most 
High, 
Thou  Father  of  the  life  to  be, 
0  Prince  of  Peace,  to  Thee  we  cry, 
We  bring  our  song  of  praise  to 
Thee. 


^  Qui  vulneratus  pectore 
Amoris  ictum  pertulit, 
Amoris  urens  ignibus 
Ipsum  qui  amantem  diligunt. 


Thy  Heart  was   wounded  by  the 

blow 
Ordained  of  everlasting  love; 
Such  love  among  Thy  flocks  below 
Thou  kindlest  at  the  fires  above. 


^Jesu,  doloris  victima, 
Quis  te  innocentem  compulit, 
Dura  ut  apertum  lancea 
Latus  pateret  vulneri? 


Dear  Christ  in  pity  for  our  woe 
Thou  didst  Thyself  as  victim  give. 
The  cruel  pangs  to  undergo, 
To  ope  Thy  breast  that  man  might 
live. 


*0  fons  amoris  inclyte! 
0  vena  aquarum  limpida, 
0  flamma  adurens  criminal 
O  cordis  ardens  caritas! 

'  In  Corde,  Jesu,  jugiter 
Reconde  nos,  ut  uberi 
Dono  fruamur  gratias, 
Coelique  tandem  praemiis. 


0  sacred  fount  of  love  sublime, 
0  living  spring  of  waters  free, 
0  fire  to  cleanse  away  all  crime, 
O  Heart  aflame  with  charity. 

Lord,  keep  us  ever  in  Thy  Heart, 
Thy  tender  love  to  feel  and  know, 
The  joys  of  heaven  to  us  impart, 
When  we  shall  leave  these  walks 
below. 


Semper  Parenti,  et  Filio, 
Sit  laus,  honor,  sit  gloria, 
Sancto  simul  Paraclito 
In  saeculorum  saecula. 


Glory  to  Father  and  to  Son, 
And  to  the  Holy  Ghost  the  same. 
To  whom  all  power,  when  time  is 

done. 
And  endless  rule,  in  endless  fame. 


201 


PROPER  OF  THE  SEASON 

Authob:  Unknown,  18th  cent.  Meter:  Iambic  dimeter. 
Translation  by  D.  J.  Donahoe.  There  are  five  transla- 
tions. Liturgical  Use  :  Hymn  for  Lauds  in  an  Office  of  the 
Sacred  Heart  granted  by  special  concession.  Like  the  pre- 
ceding hymn  it  is  not  found  in  the  latest  edition  of  the 
Breviary. 

1.  *'Let  us  sing  a  hymn  of  praise  to  the  Son  of  the  most 
High  Father,  to  the  Father  of  the  world  to  come,  to  the 
Prince  of  blessed  peace."  Patri  futuri  sceculi:  These 
words  and  Princeps  pacis,  refer  to  Christ,  and  are  taken 
literally  from  Isaias  9,  6. 

2.  ''He  w^ho,  wounded  in  the  breast,  endured  out  of  love 
the  stroke,  doth  enkindle  with  the  flames  of  love  those  who 
reciprocate  His  love."  Constr. :  Urens  (eos)  ignibus  amoris 
qui  ipsum  amantem  diligunt. 

3.  '*0  Jesus,  Victim  of  sorrow,  who  drove  Thee,  inno- 
cent, thereto,  that  Thy  side,  opened  by  a  cruel  spear,  should 
be  exposed  to  injury?"  Dura,  hard,  unfeeling.  Vulneri, 
hurt,  wounding. 

4.  ''0  glorious  fount  of  love!  0  limpid  spring  of 
waters!  0  flame  that  burnest  away  sins!  0  the  glowing 
love  of  that  Heart  I ' ' 

5.  *'In  Thy  Heart,  0  Jesus,  hide  us  forever,  that  we  may 
enjoy  rich  gifts  of  grace,  and  in  the  end,  the  rewards  of 
heaven. ' ' 

6.  ''Be  praise,  honor,  and  glory  to  the  Father  and  Son 
forever;  and  likewise,  through  all  ages  to  the  Holy  Para- 
clete." 


87  Dies  irce,  dies  ilia 

DIES  ir»,  dies  ilia,  fyHAT  day  of  wrath,  that  dread- 

Solvet  sseclum  in  favilla:  •*•        ful  day, 

Teste  David  cum  Sibylla.  When  heaven  and  earth  shall  pass 

away, 
Both  David  and  the  Sibyl  say. 

^  Quantus  tremor  est  futurus,  What  terror  then  shall  us  befall, 

Quando  Judex  est  venturus,  When  lo,  the  Judge's  steps  appall, 

Cuncta  stricte  discussurus!  About  to  sift  the  deeds  of  all. 

202 


DIES  IR^ 


*  Tuba  mirum  spargens  sonum 
Per  sepulchra  regionum, 
Coget  omnes  ante  thronum. 


The  mighty  trumpet's  marvellous 
tone 

Shall  pierce  through  each  sepul- 
chral stone 

And  summon  all  before  the  throne. 


*Mors  stupebit,  et  natura, 
Cum  resurget  creatura, 
Judicanti  responsura. 


"Liber  scriptus  proferetur. 
In  quo  totum  continetur, 
Unde  mundus  judicetur. 


*  Judex  ergo  cum  sedebit, 
Quidquid  latet,  apparebit; 
Nil  inultum  remanebit. 


Now  Death  and  Nature  in  amaze 
Behold    the    Lord    His    creatures 

raise, 
To  meet  the  Judge's  awful  gaze. 

The   books   are   opened,   that  the 

dead 
May  have  their  doom  from  what  is 

read. 
The    record    of    our    conscience 

dread. 

The  Lord  of  judgment  sits  Him 

down, 
And    every    secret    thing    makes 

known ; 
No    crime    escapes    His   vengeful 

frown. 


"Quid  sum,  miser,  tunc  dicturus? 
Quem  patronum  rogaturus? 
Cum  vix  Justus  sit  securus? 


^  Rex  tremendae  majestatis, 
Qui  salvandos  salvas  gratis, 
Salva  me,  fons  pietatis. 


^Recordare,  Jesu  pie, 
Quod  sum  causa  tuae  viae: 
Ne  me  perdas  ilia  die. 


^"  Quaerens  me,  sedisti  lassus: 
Redemisti  crucem  passus: 
Tantus  labor  non  sit  cassus. 


Ah,  how  shall  I  that  day  endure? 

What  patron's  friendly  voice  se- 
cure, 

When  scarce  the  just  themselves 
are  sure? 

0  King  of  dreadful  majesty, 
Who    grantest    grace    and    mercy 

free, 
Grant  mercy  now  and  grace  to  me. 

Good  Lord,  'twas  for  my  sinful 

sake. 
That    Thou    our    suffering    flesh 

didst  take; 
Then  do  not  now  my  soul  forsake. 

In     weariness     Thy     sheep     was 

sought; 
Upon    the    Cross    His    life    was 

bought ; 
Alas,  if  all  in  vain  were  wrought. 


203 


PROPER  OF  THE  SEASON 


^*  Juste  judex  ultionis, 
Donum  fac  remissionis 
Ante  diem  rationis. 

^^  Ingemisco  tamquam  reus: 
Culpa  rubet  vultus  meus: 
Supplicanti  parce,  Deus. 


"  Qui  Mariam  absolvisti, 
Et  latronem  exaudisti, 
Mihi  quoque  spem  dedisti. 


^*  Pieces  meae  non  sunt  dignae: 
Sed  tu  bonus  fac  benigne, 
Ne  perenni  cremer  igne. 


^'  Inter  oves  locum  praesta, 
Et  ab  hcedis  me  sequestra, 
Statuens  in  parte  dextra. 


"  Confutatis  maledictis, 
Flammis   acribus   addictis: 
Voca  me  cum  benedictis. 

"  Oro  supplex  et  acclinis, 
Cor  contritimi  quasi  cinis; 
Gere  curam  mei  finis. 


"  Lacrimosa  dies  ilia, 
Qua  resurget  ex  favilla, 
Judicandus  homo  reus. 
Huic  ergo  parce,  Deus: 
Pie  Jesu,  Domine, 
Dona  eis  requiem. 


0  just  avenging  Judge,  I  pray, 
For  pity  take  my  sins  away, 
Before  the  great  accounting-day. 

1  groan  beneath  the  guilt,  Avhich 

Thou 
Canst    read    upon    my    blushing 

brow; 
But  spare,  O  God,  Thy  suppliant 

now. 

Thou  who  didst  Mary's  sins  un- 
bind. 
And  mercy  for  the  robber  find. 
Dost   fill  with   hope  my   anxious 
mind. 

My  feeble  prayers  can  make  no 

claim, 
Yet,  gracious  Lord,  for  Thy  great 

Name, 
Redeem  me  from  the  quenchless 

flame. 

At   Thy    right   hand,    give   me   a 

place 
Among    Thy    sheep,    a    child    of 

grace. 
Far  from  the  goats'  accursed  race. 

Yea,  when  Thy  justly  kindled  ire 
Shall  sinners  hurl  to  endless  fire. 
Oh,  call  me  to  Thy  chosen  choir. 

In    suppliant   prayer    I   prostrate 

bend. 
My  contrite  heart  like  ashes  rend, 
Regard,  O  Lord,  my  latter  end. 

Oh,  on  that  day,  that  tearful  day, 
When    man    to    judgment    wakes 

from  clay. 
Be    thou    the    trembling    sinner's 

stay. 
And  spare  him,  God,  we  humbly 

pray. 
Yea,  grant  to  all,  0  Saviour  Blest, 
Who  die  in  Thee,  the  Saints'  sweet 

rest. 


204 


DIES  IR^ 

Author:  Thomas  of  Celano,  13th  cent.  Meter :  Trochaic 
dimeter.  Translation,  a  cento:  stanzas  1-5,  10,  14,  17,  18, 
by  W.  F.  "Wingfield,  the  remainder  by  Father  Aylward,  O.P. 
There  are,  or  rather  were,  in  1895,  some  234  recorded  Eng- 
lish translations  of  this  world-famous  hymn.  There  are 
four  translations  in  Mr.  Shipley's  Annus  Sanctus.  Litur- 
gical Use  :  Sequence  in  Requiem  Masses.  It  is  very  prob- 
able that  the  Dies  Irce  was  composed  as  a  sequence  for  the 
first  Sunday  in  Advent. 

The  exquisite  beauty  of  the  Latin  original  has  continu- 
ally lured  translators  to  attempt  to  reproduce  this  noble 
hymn  in  the  vernacular.  The  great  number  of  the  trans- 
lations is  an  eloquent  witness  of  this  fact.  It  is  freely  ac- 
knowledged that  no  adequate  translation  has  yet  appeared. 
Dr.  Coles,  a  Newark  physician,  who  made  eighteen  trans- 
lations of  the  hymn,  maintains  that  no  single  version  can 
reflect  the  totality  of  the  original.  The  untranslatableness 
of  the  hymn  is  acknowledged  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Dufifield, 
whose  sixth  version^  in  his  opinion,  has  not  carried  him 
''one  inch"  beyond  the  first. 

Some  idea  of  the  difficulties  that  confront  the  translator 
may  be  obtained  from  the  following  apologia  of  Dr.  Coles 
for  having  made  so  many  versions: — ''To  preserve,  in  con- 
nection with  the  utmost  fidelity  and  strictness  of  rendering, 
all  the  rhythmic  merits  of  the  Latin  original, — to  attain 
to  a  vital  likeness  as  well  as  to  an  exact  literalness,  at  the 
same  time  that  nothing  is  sacrificed  of  its  musical  sonorous- 
ness and  billowy  grandeur,  easy  and  graceful  in  its  swing 
as  the  ocean  on  its  bed, — to  make  the  verbal  copy,  other- 
wise cold  and  dead,  glow  with  the  fire  of  lyric  passion, — 
to  reflect,  and  that  too  by  means  of  a  single  version,  the 
manifold  aspects  of  the  many-sided  original,  exhausting  at 
once  its  wonderful  fulness  and  pregnancy, — to  cause  the 
white  light  of  the  primitive  so  to  pass  through  the  medium 
of  another  language  as  that  it  shall  undergo  no  refraction 
whatever, — would  be  desirable,  certainly,  were  it  prac- 
ticable; but  so  much  as  this  it  were  unreasonable  to  ex- 
pect in  a  single  version"  {Dies  Irce  in  Thirteen  Original 
Versions,  p.  33). 
Some  idea  of  the  intangible  beauty  and  consequent  un- 

205 


PROPER  OF  THE  SEASON 

translatableness  of  the  hymn  may  be  obtained  from  the 
judicious  opinions  of  eminent  critics.  Thus  Mr.  Saints- 
bury:  "Rhyme,  alliteration,  cadence,  and  adjustment  of 
vowel  and  consonant  values,  all  these  things  receive  per- 
fect expression  in  it,  or,  at  least  in  the  first  thirteen  stan- 
zas, for  the  last  four  are  a  little  inferior.  It  is  quite  aston- 
ishing to  reflect  upon  the  careful  art  or  felicitous  accident 
of  such  a  line  as 

Tuba  mirum  spargens  sonum, 

with  the  thud  of  the  trochee  falling  in  each  instant  on  a 
different  vowel;  and  still  more  on  the  continuous  sequence 
of  five  stanzas,  from  Judex  ergo  to  non  sit  cassus  in  which 
a  word  could  not  be  displaced  or  replaced  by  another  with- 
out loss.  The  climax  of  verbal  harmony  corresponding  to 
and  expressing  religious  passion  and  religious  awe,  is 
reached  in  the  last, 

Quaerens  me  sedisti  lassus, 
Redemisti  crucem  passus: 
Tantus  labor  non  sit  cassus! — 

where  the  sudden  change  from  the  dominent  e  sound  (ex- 
cept in  the  rhyme  foot)  of  the  first  two  lines  to  the  a's  of  the 
last  is  simply  miraculous,  and  miraculously  assisted  by  what 
may  be  called  the  internal  sub-rhyme  of  sedisti  and 
redemisti.  This  latter  effect  can  rarely  be  attempted  with- 
out a  jingle:  there  is  no  jingle  here,  only  an  ineffable 
melody.  After  the  Dies  Irce,  no  poet  could  say  that  any  ef- 
fect of  poetry  was,  as  far  as  sound  goes,  unattainable; 
though  few  could  have  hoped  to  equal  it,  and  perhaps  no 
one  except  Dante  and  Shakespeare  has  fully  done  so'* 
{Flourishing  of  Romance,  p.  9). 

According  to  Dr.  Duffield,  the  Dies  Irce  ''gives  us  a  new 
conception  of  the  powers  of  the  Latin  tongue.  Its  wonder- 
ful wedding  of  sense  and  sound — the  u  assonance  in  the 
second  stanza,  the  o  assonance  in  the  third,  the  a  and  i 
assonance  in  the  fourth,  for  instance — the  sense  of  organ 
music  that  runs  through  the  hymn,  even  unaccompanied, 
as  distinctly  as  through  the  opening  verses  of  Lowell's 
Vision  of  Sir  Launfal  and  the  transitions  as  clearly  marked 
in  sound  as  in  meaning  from  lofty  adoration  to  pathetic 

206 


DIES  IR^ 

entreaty,  impart  a  grandeur  and  dignity  to  the  Dies  Irce 
which  are  unique  in  this  kind  of  writing.  Then  the  wonder- 
ful adaptation  of  the  triple  rhyme  to  the  theme — like  blow 
following  blow  of  hammer  upon  anvil,  as  Daniel  says — im- 
presses every  reader"  {Latin  Hymns,  p.  249). 

Scriptural  references:  The  hymn  is  replete  with  Scrip- 
tural references  to  both  the  Old  and  New  Testaments.  The 
actual  Judgment  scene  will  be  found  in  detail  in  Matt.  24, 
27-31;  Luke  21,  25-27;  Apoc.  20,  12-15. 

Analysis:  (a)  The  first  six  stanzas  are  descriptive.  They 
picture  with  remarkable  brevity  and  detail  the  Judgment 
scene  of  the  Scriptures. 

(b)  The  remaining  stanzas  are  lyric  in  character  and  ex- 
press the  anguish  of  one  of  the  multitude  there  present  in 
spirit — his  pleading  before  the  Judge,  who,  while  on  earth, 
sought  him  unceasingly  over  the  hard  and  thorny  ways 
from  Bethlehem  to  Calvary ;  and  now,  in  anticipation  of  the 
Judgment,  pleads  before  a  Saviour  of  infinite  mercy,  who, 
on  Judgment  Day,  will  be  a  Judge  of  infinite  justice,  be- 
fore whom  scarcely  the  just  will  be  secure. 

(c)  The  seventh  stanza  serves  to  connect  the  descrip- 
tive with  the  lyric  part  of  the  hymn.  In  it  the  soul  acknowl- 
edges the  futility  of  expecting  aid  from  creatures — for  even 
the  Saints  and  Angels  will  be  judged. 

(d)  The  eighth  stanza  represents  Christ  in  the  twofold 
character  of  ''King  of  awful  majesty"  in  the  Last  Judg- 
ment, and  "Fount  of  loving  piety"  in  the  present  life. 

(e)  The  next  six  stanzas  (9-14)  develop  the  thought  of 
God's  mercy.  They  comprise  two  divisions  of  three  stanzas 
each.  The  last  stanza  of  each  division  contains  an  appro- 
priate prayer.  The  first  division  (stanzas  9-11)  deals  with 
the  first  basis  on  which  an  appeal  for  mercy  may  rest,  viz., 
on  the  labors  and  sufferings  of  Christ.  The  second  division 
(12-14)  deals  with  the  second  basis  on  which  an  appeal  for 
mercy  may  rest,  viz.,  on  the  repentance  of  the  sinner. 

(f)  In  the  fifteenth  stanza  the  Scriptural  division  of 
the  sheep  (the  just)  from  the  goats  (the  reprobates)  is  set 
before  us :  in  the  sixteenth  stanza  the  picture  of  the  Judg- 
ment is  concluded  with  the  "depart  ye  cursed,"  and  "come 
ye  blessed"  of  the  Scriptures. 

207 


PROPER  OF  THE  SEASON 

There  is  a  very  interesting  article  on  the  Dies  Irce,  in  the 
Cath.  Encycl.  A  scholarly  and  extensive  series  of  articles 
on  the  Dies  Irce  appeared  in  The  Dolphiti,  from  Nov.,  1904, 
to  May,  1905.  The  series,  144  pages  in  all,  consists  of  Notes 
on  the  Dies  Irce  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Warren,  M.A.,  a  collabora- 
tor in  Julian's  Dictionary  of  Hymnology,  and  of  Comments 
on  the  Notes  of  Mr.  Warren,  by  the  Rt.  Rev.  Msgr.  H.  T. 
Henry,  Litt.D.  To  these  articles  the  editor  is  greatly  in- 
debted. In  the  article  on  Judgment,  in  the  Cath.  Encycl., 
read  the  last  section,  which  treats  of  the  General  Judg- 
ment. 

The  following  is  Sir  Walter  Scott's  greatly  admired  con- 
densed rendering  of  the  Dies  Irce  which  is  found  in  his  Lay 
of  the  Last  Minstrel.    It  consists  of  only  twelve  lines. 


87B 


THAT  Day  of  wrath,  that  dreadful  day, 
When  heaven  and  earth  shall  pass  away. 
What  power  shall  be  the  sinner's  stay? 
How  shall  he  meet  that  dreadful  day? 

When,  shrivelling  like  a  parched  scroll, 
The  flaming  heavens  together  roll; 
When  louder  yet,  and  yet  more  dread, 
Swells  the  high  trump  that  wakes  the  dead: 

0,  on  that  day,  that  wrathful  day, 
When  man  to  judgment  wakes  from  clay. 
Be  Thou  the  trembling  sinner's  stay. 
Though  heaven  and  earth  shall  pass  away! 


The  metrical  translations  of  the  respective  stanzas,  given 
below,  are  from  various  authors  whose  translations  are 
mentioned  by  Mr.  Warren  as  among  the  best. 

The  stanzas  are  uniformly  in  trochaic  sevens,  thus  form- 
ing a  fine  cento. 

1.  ''That  day  of  wrath,  that  day  shall  reduce  the  world 
to  glowing  embers,  David  with  the  Sibyl  being  witness. ' ' 

208 


DIES  IR^ 

87G 

AH  that  day  of  wrath  and  woe, 
When  the  fire  that  seers  foreknow 
All  the  world  shall  overflow. 

— Canon  Bright 

Dies  irw,  dies  ilia:  These  words  of  *' startling  suddenness" 
with  which  the  poet  ushers  in  his  theme  are  from  the 
Prophet  Sophonias :  Dies  irse,  dies  ilia,  dies  tribulationis  et 
angustiae,  dies  calamitatis  et  miseriae,  dies  tenebrarum  et 
caliginis,  dies  nebulsB  et  turbinis,  dies  tubae  et  clangoris 
(Soph.  1,15-16).  Solvet:  {ct  II  Fetev  3, 10).  Teste  David: 
(cf.  Pss.  10,  7 ;  49,  3-6 ;  and  esp.  101,  26-28).  Sibylla:  If  any 
particular  Sibyl  is  meant  it  is  the  Erythraean  Sibyl,  the 
author  of  the  well-known  acrostic  on  the  name  of  Christ. 
However,  ** David  and  the  Sibyl"  here  stand  for  Jew  and 
Gentile,  the  witnesses  respectively  of  inspiration  and  of 
mere  natural  religion.  See  the  article  on  Sibylline  Oracles, 
in  the  Cath.  Encycl. 

2.  *'How  great  shall  be  the  trembling,  when  the  Judge 
shall  come  to  investigate  rigidly  all  things." 

0  what  trembling  shall  appear 
When  His  coming  shall  be  near 
Who  shall  all  things  strictly  clear. 

— Dean  At  ford 

For  the  Scriptural  account  of  the  Judge's  coming  to  judge 
the  world,  cf.  Luke  21,  25-27.  Stride  discussurus:  To 
search  and  thoroughly  lay  bare. 

3.  ''The  trumphet  scattering  a  wondrous  sound  through 
the  sepulchers  of  the  whole  world  shall  gather  all  before 
the  throne." 

At  the  unearthly  trump's  command 
Heard  in  graves  of  every  land 
All  before  the  throne  must  stand. 

— Canon  Bright 

Tuba:  Et  mittet  angelos  suos  cum  tuba  et  voce  magna:  et 
congregabunt  ^I^v..os  ejus  a  quattuor  ventis,  a  summis 
coelorum  usque  ad  terminos  eorum  (Matt.  24,  31). 

209 


PROPER  OF  THE  SEASON 

4.  **  Death  and  Nature  shall  stand  aghast,  when  the 
creature  shall  rise  again  to  answer  to  the  Judge. '  * 

Death  shall  shrink  and  Nature  quake 
When  all  creatures  shall  awake, 
Answer  to  their  God  to  make. 

— Dean  Alford 

Et  dedit  mare  mortuos  qui  in  eo  erant :  et  mors  et  infernus 
dederunt  mortuos  suos  qui  in  ipsis  erant ;  et  judicatum  est 
de  singulis  secundum  opera  ipsorum  (Apoc.  20,  13). 

5.  "The  written  Book  shall  be  brought  forth,  in  which 
all  is  contained  whence  the  world  is  to  be  judged." 

Then  the  volume  shall  be  spread 
And  the  writing  shall  be  read 
Which  shall  judge  the  quick  and  dead. 

— Isaac  Williams 

Liber:  Et  vidi  mortuos  magnos  et  pusillos  stantes  in  con- 
spectu  throni,  et  libri  aperti  sunt ;  et  alius  liber  apertus  est, 
qui  est  vitaB;  et  judicati  sunt  mortui  ex  his  quae  scripta 
erant  in  libris  secundum  opera  ipsorum  (Apoc.  20,  12). 
The  **Book"  is  the  Book  of  Life  which  contains  a  most  de- 
tailed record  of  each  one's  life,  even  of  his  most  secret 
thoughts  and  idle  words. 

6.  ''When  therefore  the  Judge  shall  be  seated,  whatso- 
ever is  hidden  shall  be  brought  to  light ;  nothing  shall  re- 
main unpunished." 

When  the  Judge  His  place  has  ta'en 
All  things  hid  shall  be  made  plain, 
Nothing  unavenged  remain. 

— Abp.  Trench 

With  this  stanza  the  epic  or  narrative  part  of  the  hymn 
closes,  the  remaining  stanzas  are  lyric  in  character. 

7.  **What  shall  I,  wretched,  then  say?  AVhat  patron 
shall  I  entreat,  when  even  the  just  shall  hardly  be  without 
anxiety?" 

What  shall  wretched  I  then  plead, 

Who  for  me  shall  intercede, 

When  the  righteous  scarce  is  freed? 

— Isaac  Williams 

210 


DIES  IRM 

Patronus,  advocate,  counsel.  Cum  vix  Justus:  Et  si  Justus 
vix  salvabitur,  impius  et  peccator  ubi  parebunt?  (I  Peter, 
4,  18). 

8.  ''King  of  awful  majesty,  who  savest  freely  those  who 
are  to  be  saved,  save  me,  0  Fount  of  mercy. ' ' 

King  of  dread,  whose  mercy  free 
Saveth  those  that  saved  shall  be. 
Fount  of  pity,  pity  me. 

— Lord  Lindsey 

Salvandos:  Read  the  articles  on  Elect,  Salvation,  and  parts 
of  the  article  on  Grace,  in  the  Cath.  Encycl. 

9.  ''Remember,  0  loving  Jesus,  that  for  my  sake  Thou 
didst  come  upon  earth:  let  me  not,  then,  be  lost  on  that 
day." 

Jesus,  'twas  my  debt  to  pay 

Thou  didst  wend  Thy  weary  way; 

Keep  me  on  that  dreadful  day. 

— Messenger  of  the  Sacred  Heart,  England. 

Tu(B  vice:  Christ's  whole  life  on  earth, — 

"From  the  poor  manger  to  the  bitter  cross." 

Ne  me  perdas:  Quia  quos  dedisti  mihi,  non  perdidi  ex  eis 
quemquam  (John  18,  9). 

10.  ''Seeking  me  Thou  sattest  weary;  suffering  the 
Cross,  Thou  didst  redeem  me ;  let  not  so  great  a  labor  be  in 
vain. ' ' 

Weary  satst  Thou  seeking  me, 
Diedst  redeeming  on  the  tree; 
Not  in  vain  such  toil  can  be. 

—Mrs.  E.  Charles 

Sedisti  lassus:  Jesus  was  often  zveary  seeking  the  lost  sheep 
of  the  house  of  Israel,  but  the  poet  here  undoubtedly  had 
in  mind  the  touching  picture  of  Our  Lord  resting  at  Jacob 's 
well,  and  awaiting  the  Samaritan  woman  (John  4,  6).  Dr. 
Johnson  could  not  repeat  this  touching  verse  without 
shedding  tears. 

11.  "Just  Judge  of  vengeance,  grant  the  gift  of  pardon 
ere  the  day  of  accounting." 

211 


PROPER  OF  THE  SEASON 

Thou  just  Judge  of  wrath  severe, 
Grant  my  sins  remission  here, 
Ere  Thy  reckoning  day  appear. 

— Dean  Alford 

Ultionis:  Mea  est  ultio,  et  ego  retribuam  in  tempore  (Deut. 
32,  35). 

12.  **I  groan  like  one  condemned;  my  face  reddens  with 
guilt;  the  suppliant  spare,  0  God." 

Sighs  and  tears  my  sorrow  speak. 
Shame  and  grief  are  on  my  cheek, 
Mercy,  mercy,  Lord,  I  seek. 

— Dr.  Schaff 

Reus  is  here  taken  in  the  sense  of  one  conde-mned  rather 
than  one  accused,  as  the  line  following  would  seem  to  im- 
ply. 

13.  *'Thou  who  didst  absolve  Mary,  and  didst  hearken 
to  the  thief,  to  me  also  Thou  hast  given  hope. ' ' 

Thou  who  Mary  didst  forgive 
And  who  badst  the  robber  live, 
Hope  to  me  dost  also  give. 

— Abp.  Trench 

Mariam  absolvisti:  Mary  Magdalen,  who,  whether  named 
or  not,  is  the  sinner  referred  to  by  the  four  Evangelists ; 
Matt.  26,  7;  Mark  14,  3;  Luke  7,  48;  10,  38-42;  John  12,  2-3. 
Latronem:  the  penitent  thief.  Et  dicebat  ad  Jesum: 
Domine,  memento  mei,  cum  veneris  in  regnum  tuum.  Et 
dixit  illi  Jesus :  Amen  dico  tibi,  hodie  mecum  eris  in  para- 
diso  (Luke  23,42-43). 

14.  ''Unworthy  are  my  prayers;  but  do  Thou  who  art 
good  benignly  grant  that  I  burn  not  in  everlasting  fire." 

Though  my  prayers  deserve  no  hire, 
Yet  good  Lord,  grant  my  desire, 
I  may  'scape  eternal  fire. 

— James  Dymock 

15.  ''Amid  Thy  sheep  appoint  me  a  place,  and  separate 
me  from  the  goats,  placing  me  at  Thy  right  hand. ' ' 

212 


DIES  IR^ 

Mid  Thy  sheep  my  place  command, 
From  the  goats  far  off  to  stand, 
Set  me,  Lord,  at  Thy  right  hand. 

— Abp.  Trench 

Et  statuit  oves  quidem  a  dextris  suis,  hoedos  autem  a  sin- 
istris  (Matt.  25,  33). 

16.  **The  accursed  having  been  silenced  and  given  over 
to  the  bitter  flames,  call  me  with  the  blessed." 

When  the  curst  are  put  to  shame, 

Cast  into  devouring  flame, 

With  the  blest  then  call  my  name. 

— Dr.  Schaff 

Confutatis:  The  wicked  will  be  silenced  when  they  hear 
from  the  lips  of  Our  Lord :  Amen,  dico  vobis :  quamdiu  non 
fecistis  uni  de  minoribus  his,  nee  mihi  fecistis  (Matt.  25, 
45). 

17.  ''Kneeling  and  prostrate  I  pray,  with  a  heart  con- 
trite as  though  crushed  to  ashes;  have  a  care  of  my  last 
hour. ' ' 

Contrite,  suppliant,  I  pray, 

Ashes  on  my  heart  I  lay; 

Care  Thou   for  me   on  that  day. 

— Mrs.  E.  Charles 

Contritum,  utterly  crushed. 

18.  **  Doleful  shall  be  that  day  on  which  guilty  man 
shall  rise  from  the  glowing  embers  to  be  judged :  spare  him, 
then,  0  God.    Merciful  Jesus,  Lord,  grant  them  rest." 

Full  of  tears  the  day  shall  prove 
When  from  ashes  rising  move 
To  the  judgment  guilty  men: 
Spare,  Thou  God  of  mercy,  then. 
Lord,  all-pitying,  Jesu  Blest, 
Grant  them  Thine  eternal  rest. 

— Isaac  Williams 

Dr.  W.  J.  Irons'  much  admired  translation  is  given  be- 
low. It  is  more  extensively  used  than  any  other  transla- 
tion of  the  Dies  Irce.  Dr.  Irons '  translation  was  made  from 
the  Paris  Missal  Text  but  it  is  generally  edited  to  con- 
form to  the  Text  of  the  Roman  Missal.    Judging  from  the 

213 


PROPER  OF  THE  SEASON 

number  of  hymn-books  and  other  books  that  contain  this 
translation  it  is  quite  probable  that  a  few  million  copies  of 
it  are  printed  each  year.  It  is  said  that  the  sale  of  Hymns 
Ancietit  and  Modern  {H.  A.  S  M.)  alone  exceeds  one  mil- 
lion copies  annually.  Dr.  Irons'  translation  is  in  our  own 
Baltimore  Manual  of  Prayers,  and  in  the  London  Catholic 
Truth  Society's  Book  of  Sequences.  The  translation  re- 
tains the  exact  meter  and  rhyme  scheme  of  the  original. 


87D 


DAY  of  wrath  and  doom  impending, 
David's  word  with  Sibyl's  blending! 
Heaven  and  earth  in  ashes  ending! 

0,  what  fear  man's  bosom  rendeth, 
When  from  heaven  the  Judge  descendeth, 
On  whose  sentence  all  dependeth! 

Wondrous  sound  the  trumpet  flingeth, 
Through  earth's  sepulchers  it  ringeth. 
All  before  the  throne  it  bringeth. 

Death  is  struck,  and  nature  quaking. 

All  creation  is  awaking, 

To  its  Judge  an  answer  making. 

Lo!  the  book  exactly  worded, 
Wherein  all  hath  been  recorded; 
Thence  shall  judgment  be  awarded. 

When  the  Judge  His  seat  attaineth, 
And  each  hidden  deed  arraigneth, 
Nothing  unavenged  remaineth. 

What  shall  I,  frail  man,  be  pleading? 
Who  for  me  be  interceding, 
When  the  just  are  mercy  needing? 

King  of  majesty  tremendous. 
Who  dost  free  salvation  send  us, 
Fount  of  pity,  then  befriend  us! 

Think,  kind  Jesu!   my  salvation 
Caused  Thy  wondrous  Incarnation; 
Leave  me  not  to  reprobation. 

214 


DIES  IR^ 

Faint  and  weary  Thou  hast  sought  me, 
On  the  Cross  of  suffering  bought  me; 
Shall  such  grace  be  vainly  brought  me? 

Righteous  Judge!  for  sin's  pollution 
Grant  Thy  gift  of  absolution, 
Ere  that  day  of  retribution. 

Guilty,  now  I  pour  my  moaning. 
All  my  shame  with  anguish  owning; 
Spare,  0  God,  Thy  suppliant  groaning! 

Through  the  sinful  woman  shriven, 
Through  the  dying  thief  forgiven. 
Thou  to  me  a  hope  hast  given. 

Worthless  are  my  prayers  and  sighing. 
Yet,  good  Lord,  in  grace  complying, 
Rescue  me  from  fires  undying. 

With  Thy  favored  sheep  0  place  me. 
Nor  among  the  goats  abase  me. 
But  to  Thy  right  hand  upraise  me. 

While  the  wicked  are  confounded, 
Doomed  to  flames  of  woe  unbounded, 
Call  me  with  Thy  Saints  surrounded. 

Low  I  kneel,  with  heart  submission, 
Crushed  to  ashes  in  contrition; 
Help  me  in  my  last  condition! 

Ah!  that  day  of  tears  and  mourning! 
From  the  dust  of  earth  returning, 
Man  for  judgment  must  prepare  him; 
Spare,  0  God,  in  mercy  spare  him! 
Lord  all-pitying,  Jesu  Blest, 
Grant  them  Thine  eternal  rest. 


216 


Part  III 
QTtie  proper  of  t^t  Bainti 

It  will  be  observed  that  with  a  few  noteworthy  ex- 
ceptions the  hymns  in  honor  of  the  Saints  have  not  been 
translated  as  often  as  the  remaining  hymns  of  the  Breviary. 
This  is  in  part  explained  by  the  fact  that  the  cultus  of  a 
Saint  is  more  or  less  national  in  character,  and  the  Breviary 
contains  few  hymns  in  honor  of  Saints  who  are  especially 
venerated  in  English-speaking  countries. 

THE  IMMACULATE  CONCEPTION  OF  THE 
BLESSED  VIRGIN  MARY 

Dec.  8 


88 


Pr  cedar  a  custos  virginum 


PR^CLARA  custos  virginum,     T>LEST  guardian  of  all  virgin 

•■■      Intacta  Mater  Numinis,  "*-'        souls, 

Coelestis  aulae  janua,  Portal  of  bliss  to  man  forgiven, 

Spes  nostra,  coeli  gaudium.  Pure  Mother  of  Almighty  God, 

Thou  hope  of  earth  and  joy  of 
heaven ! 


'Inter  rubeta  lilium, 
Columba  formosissima, 
Virga  e  radice  germinans 
Nostro  medelam  vulneri. 


Fair  Lily  found  among  the  thorns, 
Most  beauteous  Dove  with  wings 

of  gold. 
Rod     from     whose     tender     root 

upsprang 
That    healing    Flower    so     long 
foretold. 


217 


PROPER  OF  SAINTS 

^Turris  draconi  impervia,  Thou   Tower   against  the  dragon 

Arnica  stella  naufragis,  proof, 

Tuere  nos  a  fraudibus,  Thou   Star  to  storm-tossed  voya- 

Tuaque  luce  dirige.  gers  dear; 

Our  course  lies  o'er  a  treacherous 

deep, 
Thine  be  the  light  by  which  we 
steer. 

*Erroris  umbras  discute,  Scatter   the  mists   that   round   us 

Syrtes  dolosas  amove,  hang; 

Fluctus  tot  inter,  deviis  Keep  far  the  fatal  shoals  away; 

Tutam  reclude  semitam.  And  while  through  darkling  waves 

we  sweep. 
Open  a  path  to  light  and  day. 

^Jesu,  tibi  sit  gloria,  0  Jesu,  born  of  Virgin  bright. 

Qui  natus  es  de  Virgine,  Immortal  glory  be  to  Thee; 

Cum  Patre,  et  almo  Spiritu,  Praise  to  the  Father  infinite 

In   sempiterna   saecula.  And  Holy  Ghost  eternally. 

Authoe:  Unknown,  17th  cent.  Metee:  Iambic  dimeter. 
Teanslation  by  Father  Caswall.  There  are  at  least  four 
translations.  This  hymn  first  appeared  in  the  Office  of  the 
Purity  of  the  Blessed  Virgin,  authorized  by  Pope  Benedict 
XIV,  in  1751.  Present  Lituegical  Use:  Hymn  for  Mat- 
ins on  the  Feast  of  the  Immaculate  Conception. 

1.  "Illustrious  guardian  of  virgins,  chaste  Mother  of 
God,  portal  of  the  heavenly  court,  our  hope,  the  joy  of 
heaven."  Ccelestis  aulce  janua  =  Janua  coeli.  Gate  of 
heaven  (Litany). 

2.  '*Thou  lily  among  the  thorns,  dove  all-beauteous,  rod 
from  the  root  (of  Jesse)  producing  a  healing  balm  for  our 
wounds."  Rubeta,  orum,  thorns.  Sicut  lilium  inter  spinas, 
sic  amica  mea  inter  filias  (Cant.  2,  2).  Columha:  Surge, 
propera,  amica  mea,  columba  mea,  formosa  mea,  et  veni 
(Cant.  2,  10).  In  the  Scriptures  the  dove  is  a  symbol  of 
innocence  and  purity,  and  also  of  tender  and  devoted  af- 
fection. Virga:  Egredietur  virga  de  radice  Jesse  et  flos  de 
radice  ejus  ascendet  (Is.  11,  1).  Jesse  was  the  father  of 
David,  and  was,  therefore,  a  lineal  ancestor  of  the  Blessed 
Virgin. 

3.  '  *  Thou  tower  inaccessible  to  the  dragon,  star  friendly 

218 


ST.  PETER'S  CHAIR  AT  ROME 

to  the  shipwrecked,  protect  us  from  deception,  and  guide  us 
by  thy  light."  Turris — Turris  Davidica,  Tower  of  David 
(Litany:  cf.  Cant.  4,  4). 

4.  ''Dispel  the  shadows  of  error,  remove  treacherous 
shoals ;  among  so  many  waves,  reveal  a  safe  path  to  those 
astray." 


ST.  PETER'S  CHAIR  AT  ROME 

Jan.  18 

89  Quodcumque  in  orbe 

QUODCUMQUE  in  orbe  nexi-     pETER,  whatever  thou  shalt  bind 
bus  revinxeris,  ■■-  on  earth, 

Erit    revinctum    Petre    in    aroe     The  same  is  bound  above  the  starry 

siderum :  sky ; 

Et    quod    resolvit    hie    potestas     What   here   thy   delegated   power 

tradita,  doth  loose, 

Erit  solutum  coeli  in  alto  vertice:     Is   loosed   in   heaven's   supremest 
In  fine  mundi  judicabis  saeculum.  Court  on  high: 

To  Judgment  shalt  thou  come, 
when  the  world's  end  is 
nigh. 

■Patri    perenne    sit    per    aevum  Praise  to  the  Father,  through  all 

gloria,  ages  be; 

Tibique    laudes    concinamus    in-  Praise  to  the  consubstantial  sov- 

clytas,  ereign  Son, 

interne  Nate,  sit  superne  Spiritus  And    Holy   Ghost,    One    glorious 
Honor    tibi,     decusque:     sancta  Trinity; 

jugiter  To  whom  all  majesty  and  might 
Laudetur     omne     Trinitas     per  belong; 

saeculum.  So  sing  we  now,  and  such  be  our 

eternal  song. 

Author:  Ascribed  to  St.  Paulinus  Patriarch  of 
Aquileia  (726-802).  Meter:  Iambic  trimeter.  Trans- 
lation by  Father  Caswall.  Liturgical  Use:  Hymn  for 
Vespers  and  Matins  on  the  Feast  of  St.  Peter's  Chair  at 
Rome.  It  is  similarly  used  on  the  Feast  of  St.  Peter's  Chair 
at   Antioch.    First  line   of   Original  Text:   Quodcumque 

219 


PROPER  OF  SAINTS 

vinclis  super  terram  strinxeris.  This  hymn  is  a  part  of  a 
longer  hymn  beginning:  Felix  per  omnes  festum  mundi 
cardines.  There  are  nine  stanzas  in  the  complete  hymn. 
In  addition  to  several  anonymous  translations  in  the  early 
Primers,  there  are  ten  later  translations,  three  of  which  are 
translations  of  the  complete  hymn.  This  hymn  is  evi- 
dently later  than,  and  modeled  on,  the  Decora  lux  which  is 
used  on  the  Feast  of  SS.  Peter  and  Paul  (June  29). 

1.  **  Whatsoever  thou  shalt  bind  on  earth  with  chains,  O 
Peter,  shall  be  bound  in  the  stronghold  of  the  skies,  and 
what  here  the  power  bestowed  upon  thee  doth  loosen,  shall 
be  loosed  in  heaven's  exalted  height;  at  the  end  of  the 
world  thou  shalt  judge  mankind."  This  stanza  contains 
a  metrical  rendering  of  Matt.  16,  19:  Et  tibi  dabo  claves 
regni  coelorum.  Et  quodcumque  ligaveris  super  terram, 
erit  ligatum  et  in  coelis:  et  quodcumque  solveris  super 
terram,  erit  solutum  et  in  coelis.  Judicabis:  Cf.  Matt.  19, 
28. 

2.  "To  God  the  Father  be  glory  through  endless  ages; 
Eternal  Son,  may  we  sing  Thy  glorious  praises ;  Heavenly 
Spirit,  to  Thee  be  honor  and  glory:  unceasingly  may  the 
Holy  Trinity  be  praised  through  all  eternity." 

90  Beate  Pastor  Petre 

"DEATE  Pastor  Petre,  clemens  r\  PETER,  Shepherd  good,  our 

-'-'     accipe  V^      voices  sing  of  thee; 

Voces   precantum,    criminumque  Thy  very  word  had  might  from 

vincula  chains  of  sin  to  free; 

Verbo  resolve,  cui  potestas  tradita  To    thee,    by    power    divine,    the 
Aperire    terris    ccelum,    apertum  mystic  keys  were  given, 

claudere.  Which  ope  the  skies  to  men,  or 

close  the  gates  of  heaven. 

*  Sit  Trinitati  sempiterna  gloria,         All  honor,  might,  and  power,  and 
Honor,  potestas,  atque  jubilatia,  hymns  of  joy  we  bring, 

In  unitate,  quas  gubernat  omnia,     While  to  the  Trinity  eternal  praise 
Per  universa  seternitatis  ssecula.  we  sing: 

He  rules  the  universe  in  wondrous 

Unity, 
And  shall,  throughout  the  days  of 
all  eternity. 
220 


CONVERSION  OF  ST.  PAUL 

Author:  Ascribed  to  Elpis  (d.  493),  wife  of  the  phi- 
losopher Boethius  (480-524).  Meter:  Iambic  trimeter. 
Translation  by  T.  I.  Ball.  Liturgical  Use:  Hymn  for 
Lauds  on  the  Feast  of  St.  Peter's  Chair  at  Rome  (Jan.  18), 
and  at  Antioch  (Feb.  22). 

This  hymn  is  the  first  stanza  of  the  hymn  for  Lauds  on 
the  Feast  of  SS.  Peter  and  Paul  (June  29).  See  hymn  117. 


CONVERSION  OF  ST.  PAUL 

Jan.  25 


91 


Egregie  Doctor  Paule 


EGREGIE  Doctor  Paule  mores 
instrue, 
Et  nostra  tecum  pectora  in  coelum 

trahe : 
Velata     dum     meridiem     cernat 

fides, 
Et  soils  instar  sola  regnet  caritas. 


'  Sit  Trinitati  sempiterna  gloria, 
Honor,  potestas,  atque  jubilatio, 
In  unitate,  quae  gubernat  omnia, 
Per  universa  aeternitatis  saecula. 


OUR  souls'  great  Teacher,  Paul, 
our  guide  in  wisdom's  ways, 
Teach  us,  our  fainting  hearts,  to 
heaven's  glad  clime  to  raise. 
Till    Faith    in    clearest    light   her 

bright  meridian  gains. 
And  Love  with  sun-like  fire  with- 
in each  bosom  reigns. 

All  honor,  might,  and  power,  and 

hymns  of  joy  we  bring. 
While  to  the  Trinity  eternal  praise 

we  sing; 
He  rules  the  universe  in  wondrous 

Unity, 
And  shall,  throughout  the  days  of 

all  eternity. 


Author  and  Meter  as  in  the  preceding  hymn.  Trans- 
lation by  Father  Potter.  Liturgical  Use:  Hjann  for 
Vespers  and  Matins  on  the  Feast  of  the  Conversion  of  St. 
Paul. 

This  hymn  is  the  second  stanza  of  the  hymn  for  Lauds 
on  the  Feast  of  SS.  Peter  and  Paul  (June  29).  See  hymn 
117. 


221 


92 


PROPER  OF  SAINTS 
ST.  MARTINA 

Jan.  25 
MartincB  celebrt 


MARTINA    celebri    plaudite 
nomini 
Gives  Romulei,  plaudite  glorise: 
Insigiiem  meritis  dicite  Virginem, 
Christi  dicite  Martyrem. 


'Haec  dum  conspicuis  orta  paren- 
tibus 
Inter  delicias,  inter  amabiles 
Luxus  iJlecebras  ditibus  afifluit 
Faustse  muneribus  domus. 


'Vitae  despiciens  commoda,  dedi- 

cat 
Se   rerum   Domino,    et   raunifica 

manu 
Christi     pauperibus     distribuens 

opes, 
Quaerit  praemia  coelitum. 

*A  nobis  abigas  lubrica  gaudia 
Tu,  qui  Martyribus  dexter  ades, 

Deus 
Une   et  trine:    tuis   da    famulis 

jubar. 
Quo  clemens  animos  beas. 


WITH     joyous     songs,     great 
Rome,  Martina's  fame  ex- 
tol. 
Her  glowing  praises  tell,  and  all 

her  mighty  deeds; 
A   Virgin    pure    and    chaste,    she 

leads  a  stainless  life, 
And  for  her  Lord  a  Martyr  bleeds. 

A  happy  home   is  hers,   and  all 

that  makes  this  world 
So  sweet,  and  fresh,  and  fair,  to 

those  who  love  its  wiles: 
From  noblest  parents  sprung,  'mid 

wealth,  and  love,  and  joy, 
Her  life  speeds  on,  'mid  naught 

but  smiles. 

These  pleasures  soon  she  spurns — 
her  wealth  she  gladly  gives 

To  Christ's  own  blessed  poor — 
herself,  to  God  above; 

No  other  wealth  she  seeks  save 
her  own  spotless  Spouse, 

Forever  blest  in  His  pure  love. 

0  Thou,  the  Martyrs'  strength,  all 
cheating  joys  expel, 

And  fill  us  with  Thy  bright  and 
never-fading  love; 

Show  us  the  beam  divine,  which 
forms  the  crowning  joy, 

God,  Three  in  One,  of  bliss  above. 


Author:  Pope  Urban  VIII  (1568-1644).  Meteb: 
Asclepiadic  and  Glyconic.  Translation  by  Father  Potter. 
There  are  four  translations.    Liturgical  Use:     The  com- 

222 


ST.  MARTINA 

plete  hymn  is  divided  into  three  parts  of  three  stanzas  each 
and  is  used  as  follows : 

92  Vespers:    Martince  celebri 

93  Matins:      Non  illam  crucians 

94  Lauds :       Tu  natale  solum 

The  same  doxology  A  nobis  ahigas  is  used  at  the  end  of 
each  part. 

1.  ''Praise,  0  citizens  of  Eome,  the  illustrious  name  of 
Martina,  praise  her  glory;  celebrate  in  song  a  Virgin  ren- 
dered illustrious  by  her  merits ;  sing  a  Martyr  of  Christ. ' ' 
Romulei,  adj.,  of  Romulus. 

2.  **As  she  was  born  of  distinguished  parents,  she  lived 
amid  pleasures,  amid  the  fascinating  allurements  of  luxury, 
and  she  abounded  in  the  rich  gifts  of  a  prosperous  house. ' ' 
Constr. :  Affluit  ditibus  muneribus  domus  f austas. 

3.  *'But  despising  the  comforts  of  life,  she  dedicates  her- 
self to  the  Lord  of  creation,  and  with  a  lavish  hand  she  dis- 
tributes her  riches  among  the  poor  of  Christ,  and  seeks  for 
herself  the  reward  of  the  Blessed."  St.  Martina  was  left 
an  orphan  at  an  early  age.  As  soon  as  she  obtained  posses- 
sion of  her  property,  she  distributed  it  among  the  poor  of 
Rome. 

4.  "0  God,  Three  and  One,  Thou  who  dost  mightily  as- 
sist the  Martyrs,  drive  far  from  us  dangerous  pleasures: 
grant  to  Thy  servants  the  light  wherewith  Thou  dost  gra- 
ciously bless  their  souls. ' '    Juhar,  the  light  of  glory. 

93  Non  illam  crucians 

NQN    illam    crucians  ungula,     nHHE  agonizing  hooks,  the  rend- 

non  ferae,  -■-        ing  scourge, 
Non  virgae  horribili  vulnere  com-     Shook  not  the  dauntless  spirit  in 

movent;  her  breast; 

Hinc   lapsi   e    Superimi  sedibus     With  torments  racked,  Angels  her 

Angeli  fainting  flesh 

Coelesti  dape  recreant.  Recruit  with  heavenly  feast. 


Quin  et  deposita  sasvitie  leo  In    vain    they    cast    her    to    the 

Se    rictu    placido    projicit    ad  ravening  beasts; 

pedes:  Calm  at  her  feet  the  lion  crouches 

down: 

223 


PROPER  OF  SAINTS 

Te  Martina  tamen  dans  gladius     Till  smitten  by  the  sword  at  length 

neci  she  goes 

Coeli  coetibus  inserit.  To  her  immortal  crown. 

^Te,  thuris  reddens  ara  vapori-  Now  with  the  Saints  Martina 
bus,  reigns  in  bliss, 

Quae  fumat,  precibus  jugiter  in-  And  where  Idolatry  sat  throned 
vocat,  of  yore, 

Et  falsum  perimens  auspicium,  From  her  victorious  altar  praise 
tui  and  prayer 

Delet  nominis  omine.  With  odorous  incense  soar. 

*A  nobis  abigas  lubrica  gaudia.  Expel  false  worldly  joys;  and  fill 
Tu,  qui  Martyribus  dexter  ades,  us,   Lord, 

Deus  With  Thy  irradiating  beam  divine; 

Une   et   Trine:   tuis   da   famulis  Who  with  Thy  suffering  Martyrs 

jubar,  present  art. 

Quo  clemens  animos  beas.  Great  Godhead  one  and  trine. 

This  is  a  continuation  of  the  preceding  hymn.  Trans- 
lation by  Father  Caswall. 

1.  **  Neither  the  agonizing  hook,  nor  wild  beasts,  nor  the 
rods  with  their  painful  wounds  shake  her  constancy ;  there- 
upon Angels  descend  from  the  abodes  of  the  Blessed  and 
strengthen  her  with  heavenly  food."  lingular,  a  claw- 
shaped  torturing  hook. 

2.  **And  even  the  lion,  laying  aside  his  savage  nature, 
with  friendly  gaping  jaws  lays  himself  doMTi  at  her  feet: 
thee,  at  length,  Martina,  the  sword  delivers  up  to  death 
and  enrolls  thee  among  the  hosts  of  heaven. ' '  St.  Martina 
was  beheaded  in  228,  in  the  persecution  under  Alexander 
Severus. 

3.  *'The  altar  which  smokes,  redolent  with  the  odors  of 
incense,  unceasingly  invokes  thee  with  prayers,  and  it  de- 
stroys and  annihilates  by  the  omen  of  thy  name  baneful 
idol-worship."  Auspicium,  divination  by  means  of  birds. 
The  word  is  here  used  in  the  sense  of  idolatry,  heathen  wor- 
ship in  general.  Omine:  The  "omen"  alluded  to  is  a  refer- 
ence to  the  derivation  of  the  Saint's  name  Martina  {the 
warlike)  from  Mars,  Martis,  the  god  of  war.  The  "war- 
fare" she  waged  was  on  the  idols  in  the  vicinity  of  Rome, 
many  of  whose  altars  were  overthrown  by  her  prayers. 

224 


ST.  MARTINA 
94  Tu  natale  solum 

TU  natale   solum   protege,   tu     15E   thou   the   guardian   of  thy 
bonae  '*-'       native  land, 

Da    pacis    requiem    Christiadum     And  to  all  Christian  nations  grant 

plagis;  repose 

Armorum  strepitus,  et  fera  prcelia     From    din    of    arms,    and    every 
In  fines  age  Thracios.  hostile  band — 

From  all  our  borders  drive  away 
our  foes. 

*Et    regum    socians    agmina    sub     Bid  Christian  princes  marshal  all 
crucis  their  force 

Vexillo,  Solymas  nexibus  exime,     Beneath  the  sacred  standard  of  the 
Vindexque      innocui      sanguinis  Rood, 

hosticum  To    avenge    sweet    Salem's    sacri- 

Robur  funditus  erue.  legions  loss, 

And  crush  the  Paynim  red  with 
guiltless  blood. 

*  Tu   nostrum   colimien,  tu   decus  On  thee  our  hopes  are  built,  as  on 
inclytum,  a  tower; 

Nostrarum     obsequium     respice  Receive     the     homage     we     now 

mentium;  humbly  pay, 

Romae   vota   libens   excipe,    quse  The    vows    which    Rome    accom- 

pio  plishes  this  hour, 

Te  ritu  canit,  et  colit.  With   pious    rites,    and    canticles' 

sweet  lay. 

*A  nobis  abigas  lubrica  gaudia         Keep  far  from  us  all  dangerous 
Tu,  qui  Martyribus  dexter  ades,  delight, 

Deus  0     God,     who     comfortest     Thy 

Une  et   Trine:   tuis   da   famulis  Martyrs'  pain; 

jubar,  One  God  in  Persons  Three,  bestow 

Quo  clemens  animos  beas.  Thy  light 

Wherewith    Thou    makest    strong 
Thy  Martyrs  slain. 

This  is  a  continuation  of  the  preceding  hymn.  Trans- 
lation by  Father  Wallace,  O.S.B. 

1.  **  Protect  thy  native  land  and  give  to  Christian  nations 
the  repose  of  holy  peace :  banish  the  din  of  arms  and  dread- 
ful wars  to  Thracian  fields. ' '  Christiadum  =  Christiano- 
rum,  Christians.  In  fines  Thracios:  afar,  to  the  remotest 
regions. 

225 


PROPER  OF  SAINTS 

2.  **And  uniting  the  armies  of  kings  under  the  banner 
of  the  Cross,  deliver  Jerusalem  from  bondage,  and  as  an 
avenger  of  innocent  blood,  utterly  destroy  the  hostile 
power  (of  the  Turks)."  SolymcB,  poetical  form  of  Hieroso- 
lyma,  orum,  Jerusalem. 

3.  **Thou,  our  pillar  of  strength,  our  illustrious  orna- 
ment, behold  the  benevolent  disposition  of  our  hearts; 
graciously  accept  the  prayers  of  Rome,  who  in  a  loving 
manner  sings  thy  praises  and  honors  thee. ' ' 


THE  HOLY  FAMILY 


FIRST  SUNDAY  AFTER  EPIPHANY 


95 


O  Lux  beata  coelitum 


OLUX  beata  coelitum 
Et  summa  spes  mortalium, 
Jesu,   o  cui  domestica 
Arrisit  orto  caritas. 

'Maria,  dives  gratia, 
0  sola  quae  casto  potes 
Fovere  Jesum  pectore, 
Cum  lacte  donans  oscula. 


'Tuque  ex  vetustis  patribus 
Delecte  custos  Virginis, 
Dulci  patris  quem  nomine 
Divina  Proles  invocat. 

*  De  stirpe  Jesse  nobili 
Nati  in  salutem  gentium, 
Audite  nos  qui  supplices 
Vestras  ad  aras  sistimus. 

'  Dum  sol  redux  ad  vesperum 
Rebus  nitorem  detrahit, 
Nos  hie  manentes  intimo 
Ex  corde  vota  fundimus. 


0  HIGHEST  Hope  of  mortals, 
Blest  Light  of  Saints  above, 
0  Jesu,  on  whose  boyhood 
Home  smiled  with  kindly  love; 

And   thou   whose   bosom   nursed 

Him, 
O  Mary,  highly  graced, 
Whose  breast  gave  milk  to  Jesus, 
Whose  arms  thy  God  embraced; 

And  thou  of  all  men  chosen 
To  guard  the  Virgin's  fame. 
To  whom  God's  Son  refused  not 
A  Father's  gracious  name; 

Born  for  the  nation's  healing. 
Of  Jesse's  lineage  high. 
Behold  the  suppliants  kneeling, 
O  hear  the  sinners'  cry! 

The  sun  returned  to  evening. 
Dusks  all  the  twilight  air: 
We,  lingering  here  before  you. 
Pour  out  our  heartfelt  prayer. 


226 


THE  HOLY  FAMILY 

*Qua  vestra  sedes  floruit  Your  home  was  as  a  garden 

Virtutis  omnis  gratia,  Made  glad  with  fairest  flowers; 

Hanc  detur  in  domesticis  May  life  thus  blossom  sweetly 

Referre  posse  moribus.  In  every  home  of  ours. 

^Jesu,  tibi  sit  gloria,  Jesus,  to  Thee  be  glory. 

Qui  natus  es  de  Virgine,  The  Maiden-Mother's  Son, 

Cum  Patre,  et  almo  Spiritu,  With  Father  and  with  Spirit 

In  sempiterna  saecula.  While  endless  ages  run. 


Author t  Pope  Leo  XIII  (1810-1903).  Meter:  Iambic 
dimeter.  Translation  from  the  Marquess  of  Bute's  Ro- 
man Breviary.  There  are  three  translations.  Liturgicali 
Use  :  Hymn  for  Vespers  on  the  Feast  of  the  Holy  Family. 

1.  ''0  blessed  Light  of  the  Saints,  and  supreme  hope  of 
mortals,  0  Jesus,  upon  whose  birth  domestic  affection 
smiled;"  Cui  .    .    .   orto. 

2.  **0  Mary,  rich  in  grace,  thou  alone  wast  able  to  nour- 
ish Jesus  at  thy  chaste  breast,  giving  Him  kisses  with  thy 
milk;" 

3.  **  And  thou,  of  the  ancient  fathers,  the  chosen  guardian 
of  the  Virgin,  whom  the  Divine  Child  did  call  by  the  sweet 
name  of  Father," 

4.  **Both  having  sprung  from  the  noble  root  of  Jesse, 
for  the  salvation  of  mankind,  hearken  to  us,  your  sup- 
pliants, who  stand  at  your  altars."  De  stirpe  Jesse:  Et 
egredietur  virga  de  radice  Jesse,  et  flos  de  radice  ejus 
ascendet  (Is.  11,  1).  Jesse  was  the  father  of  David.  Both 
Mary  and  Joseph  were  of  the  house  of  David. 

5.  "When  the  sun  declining  towards  evening  takes  away 
from  things  their  beauty,  we  remaining  here  pour  forth 
our  prayers  from  the  bottom  of  our  hearts."  Hie,  viz.,  in 
the  church. 

6.  ''The  grace  of  every  virtue  with  which  your  home 
abounded,  vouchsafe  that  we  too  may  be  able  to  reproduce 
the  same  in  our  home  lives."  Constr. :  Ut  detur,  nos  hanc 
gratiam  referre  posse  in  moribus  nostris  domesticis. 


227 


96 


PROPER  OF  SAINTS 
Sacra  jam  splendent 


SACRA  jam  splendent  decorata 
lychnis 
Templa,  jam  sertis  redimitur  ara 
Et     pio      fumant     redolentque 
acerrae 

Thuris  honore. 


A  THOUSAND  lights  their  glory 
shed 
On  shrines  and  altars  garlanded; 
While  swinging  censers  dusk  the 
air 
With  perfumed  prayer. 


^Num      juvet      Summo      Geniti 

Parente 
Regies  ortus  celebrare  cantu? 
Num   domus    David,   decora    et 
vetustse 

Nomina  gentis? 

^  Gratius  nobis  memorare  parvum 
Nazarae  tectum,  tenuemque  cul- 

tum, 
Gratius  Jesu  tacitam  referre 
Carmine  vitam. 

*Nili  ab  extremis  peregrinus  oris 
Angeli  ductu,  propere  remigrat 
Multa  perpessus  Puer  et  paterno 
Limine  sospes, 


^Arte,    qua    Joseph,    humili   ex- 

colendus 
Abdito  Jesus  juvenescit  sevo, 
Seque  fabrilis  socium  laboris 
Adjicit  ultro. 


•Irriget     sudor     mea     membra, 
dixit. 


And  shall  we  sing  the  ancestry 
Of  Jesus,  Son  of  God  most  High? 
Or  the  heroic  names  retrace 
Of  David's  race? 


Sweeter  is  lowly  Nazareth, 
Where   Jesus    drew   His    childish 

breath — 
Sweeter  the  singing  that  endears 
His  hidden  years. 

An  Angel  leads  the  pilgrim  band 
From  Egypt  to  their  native  land, 
Where    Jesus    clings    to    Joseph's 
arm. 
Secure  from  harm. 

"And  the  Child  grew  in  wisdom's 

ken 
And  years  and  grace  with  God  and 

men;" 
And  in  His  father's  humble  art 
Took  share  and  part. 

"With  toil,"  saith  He,  "my  limbs 
are  wet. 


Antequam  sparse  madeant  cru-     Prefiguring  the  Bloody  Sweat:" 


ore: 
Haec     quoque     humane     generi 
expiando 

Poena  luatur. 

^Assidet  Nato  pia  Mater  almo, 
Assidet    Sponso     bona    nupta; 

felix 
Si  potest  curas  relevare  fessis 
Munere  amico. 


Ah!   how  He  bears  our  chastise- 
ment 
With  sweet  content! 


At  Joseph's  bench,  at  Jesus'  side. 
The  Mother  sits,  the  Virgin-Bride; 
Happy,    if    she   may    cheer   their 
hearts 
With  loving  arts. 


228 


THE  HOLY  FAMILY 

*0    neque    expertes,    operae    et  0   Blessed   Three!    who   felt   the 

laboris,  sting 

Nee  mali  ignari,  miseros  juvate,  Of  want  and  toil  and  suffering, 

Quos     reluctantes     per     acuta  Pity  the  needy  and  obscure 
rerum  Lot  of  the  poor. 

Urget  egestas. 

*  Demite  his  fastus,  quibus  ampla  Banish  the  "pride   of  life"  from 

splendet  all 

Faustitas,    mentera    date    rebus  Whom    ampler    wealth    and    joys 

aequam:  befall: 

Quotquot    implorant     columen,  Be  every  heart  with  love  repaid 
benigno  That  seeks  your  aid. 

Cernite  vultu. 

^"  Sit  tibi,  Jesu,  decus  atque  virtus,  Glory  to  Thee,  0  Jesu  dear, 

Sancta     qui     vitae     documenta  Model  of  holy  living  here! 

praebes,  Who  reign'st,  with  Sire  and  Holy 
Quique  cum  summo  Genitore  et  Ghost, 

almo  Q'er  heaven's  host. 

Flamine  regnas. 

Author:  Pope  Leo  XIII  (1810-1903).  Meter:  Sapphic 
and  Adonic.  Translation  by  Monsignor  Henry.  There 
are  two  translations.  Liturgical  Use:  Hymn  for  Matins 
on  the  Feast  of  the  Holy  Family. 

1.  ^'The  sacred  temples  are  already  resplendent  with 
lamps;  the  altar  is  wreathed  round  with  garlands,  and  in 
loving  honor  vessels  of  incense  smoke  and  emit  a  pleasant 
odor."    Acerra,  an  incense-box,  a  censer. 

2.  ''Would  it  not  be  pleasing  to  celebrate  in  song  the 
royal  birth  of  the  Son  from  the  sovereign  Father  ?  And  to 
sing  of  the  house  of  David  and  of  the  illustrious  names  of 
that  ancient  family?"  Ortus,  pi.,  both  the  temporal  and  the 
eternal  birth  of  the  Son. 

3.  "To  us  it  is  more  agreeable  to  call  to  mind  the  little 
house  at  Nazareth,  and  the  simple  mode  of  life  therein; 
more  agreeable  to  relate  in  song  the  hidden  life  of  Jesus. ' ' 

4.  **  As  a  wanderer,  under  the  guidance  of  an  Angel,  suf- 
fering much,  the  Child  quickly  returns  from  the  distant 
banks  of  the  Nile  and  is  safe  in  His  father's  house." 
Paterno  refers  to  St.  Joseph,  His  foster-father. 

5.  ''Jesus  grows  up  in  His  hidden  life,  working  faithfully 

229 


PROPER  OF  SAINTS 

at  the  same  humble  profession  as  St.  Joseph;  and  of  His 
own  accord  He  devotes  Himself  to  the  profession  of  car- 
pentering. ' ' 

6.  **May  perspiration  moisten  My  limbs,"  He  said,  '^be- 
fore they  become  wet  with  My  Blood  poured  forth;  this 
toil  must  also  be  suffered  in  expiating  the  sins  of  the  human 
race."    Poenam  luere,  to  suffer,  undergo  punishment. 

7.  **The  loving  Mother  sits  beside  her  beloved  Son;  the 
good  bride,  beside  her  spouse,  happy  if  she  can  lighten  the 
labors  of  the  weary  with  affectionate  attention." 

8.  *'0  ye  who  have  endured  pains  and  toil,  who  were  not 
unacquainted  with  misfortune,  help  the  poor  whom  dire 
poverty  oppresses  in  their  struggle  against  necessitous 
conditions."  This  and  the  following  stanza  call  to  mind 
Pope  Leo's  great  Encyclical  Rerum.  novarum  which  treats 
of  the  relations  between  capital  and  labor  (1891). 

9.  '*  Banish  from  men  pride,  with  which  ample  wealth 
bedecks  itself ;  grant  us  equanimity  in  the  affairs  of  life : 
behold  with  a  benign  countenance  all  who  invoke  the  Most 
High."    Columen,  lit,  a  height;  heaven. 

10.  ''Praise  be  to  Thee,  0  Jesus,  who  givest  the  holy 
precepts  of  life,  who  reignest  with  the  sovereign  Father 
and  the  Holy  Spirit. 


97 


O  gente  felix  hospita 


OGENTE  felix  hospita 
Augusta  sedes  Nazarae, 
Quae  fovit  alma  Ecclesiae 
Et  protulit  primordia. 


0  HOUSE  of  Nazareth  the  blest, 
Fair  hostess  of  the  Lord, 
The  Church  was  nurtured  at  Thy 

breast 
And  shared  thy  scanty  hoard. 


^Sol,  qui  pererrat  aureo 
Terras  jacentes  lumine. 
Nil  gratius  per  saecula 
Hac  vidit  sede,  aut  sanctius. 


In  all  the  spreading  lands  of  earth 
The  wandering  sun  may  see 
No  dearer  spot,  no  ampler  worth 
Than  erst  was  found  in  thee! 


*Ad  hanc  frequentes  convolant 
Ccelestis  aulae  nuntii, 
Virtutis  hoc  sacrarium 
Visunt,  revisunt,  excolunt. 


We  know  thy  humble  tenement 
Was  heaven's  hermitage: 
Celestial  heralds  came  and  went 
In  endless  embassage. 


230 


THE  HOLY  FAMILY 


*Qua  mente  Jesus,  qua  manu, 
Optata   patris  perficit! 
Quo  Virgo  gestit  gaudio 
Materna  obire  raunera! 


^Adest  amoris  particeps 
Curaeque  Joseph  conjugi, 
Quos  mille  jungit  nexibus 
Virtutis  auctor  gratia. 


•Hi  diligentes  invicem 
In  Jesu  amorem  confluunt, 
Utrique  Jesus  mutuae 
Dat  caritatis  prsemia. 


^Sic  fiat,  ut  nos  caritas 
Jungat  perenni  fcedere, 
Pacemque  alens  domesticam 
Amara  vitae  temperet! 

*Jesu,  tibi  sit  gloria, 
Qui  natus  es  de  Virgine, 
Cum  Patre,  et  almo  Spiritu, 
In  sempiterna  saecula. 


There,  whatsoever  Joseph  asks 

Christ  hastens  to  fulfill; 

While  Mary  loves  the  household 

tasks 
That  wait  her  joyous  will. 

There,  Joseph  toileth  at  her  side 
Her  joys  and  griefs  to  share. 
With    thousand    ties   knit   to    his 

bride. 
Of  love  and  work  and  prayer. 

Yet   how   their    bosoms    constant 

burn 
And  deeper  ardors  prove 
In    love    of    Christ,    whose    eyes 

return 
Tokens  of  mutual  love. 

O  then,  in  all  the  homes  of  earth, 
Be  Love  the  bond  of  life: 
May  it  enthrone  at  every  hearth 
The  peace  that  husheth  strife. 

0  Jesu,  born  of  Virgin  bright, 
All  glory  be  to  Thee, 
With  Father  and  with  Paraclete, 
Through  all  eternity. 


Author:  Pope  Leo  XIII  (1810-1903).  Meter:  Iambic 
dimeter.  Translation  by  Monsignor  Henry.  There  are 
three  translations.  Liturgical  Use:  Hymn  for  Lauds  on 
the  Feast  of  the  Holy  Family. 

1.  "0  thou,  in  thy  occupants  (gente)  most  blessed,  hos- 
pitable, august  abode  of  Nazareth,  which  fostered  and  nour- 
ished the  holy  beginnings  of  the  Church."  Gente,  the  Holy 
Family. 

2.  ''The  sun,  which  with  its  golden  light  courses  over  the 
nations  lying  far  below,  hath  through  the  ages  seen  nothing 
more  pleasing  than  this  house,  nothing  more  holy.'* 

3.  **To  it  in  great  numbers  fly  the  messengers  of  the 
heavenly  court ;  they  visit,  revisit,  and  honor  this  sanctuary 
of  virtue. ' ' 

4.  ''With  what  a  heart  and  hand  doth  Jesus  fulfill  the 

231 


PROPER  OF  SAINTS 

wishes  of  His  foster-father!  With  what  joy  doth  the  Vir- 
gin strive  to  perform  her  maternal  duties!"  Mente,  good 
will.    Manu,  diligence. 

5.  *  *  Sharing  in  her  love  and  solicitude,  St.  Joseph  stands 
ever  beside  his  spouse;  the  very  source  of  virtue  gra- 
ciously unites  both  with  a  thousand  ties.  Gratia,  in  a  most 
loving  manner. 

6.  ** Loving  each  other,  they  unite  in  their  love  for  Jesus; 
and  Jesus  gives  to  both  the  rewards  of  mutual  love." 

7.  "So  may  it  happen  that  charity  may  unite  us  in  an 
everlasting  covenant;  and  fostering  domestic  peace  may  it 
alleviate  the  bitter  things  of  life." 


APPARITION    OF    THE    BLESSED    VIRGIN 
MARY  IMMACULATE 

Feb.  11 


98 


Te  dicimus  prceconio 


TE  dicimus  praeconio, 
Intacta  Mater  Numinis, 
Nostris  benigna  laudibus 
Tuam  repende  gratiam. 


'^Sontes  Adami  posteri 
Infecta  proles  gignimur; 
Labis  paternae  nescia 
Tu  sola,  Virgo,  crederis. 

^  Caput  draconis  invidi 
Tu  conteris  vestigio, 
Et  sola  gloriam  refers 
Intaminatse  originis. 


*0  gentis  humanae  decus 
Quae  tollis  Hevae  opprobrium, 
Tu  nos  tuere  supplices, 
Tu  nos  labantes  erige. 


0  VIRGIN  Mother  of  our  God, 
While     we     thy     matchless 
glories  chant, 
Do  thou,  in  answer  to  our  praise. 
To  us  abundant  graces  grant. 

We  Adam's  guilty  children  are, 
A  sin-infected  progeny. 
Thou  art,  0  Virgin,  we  believe. 
Alone  from  his  infection  free. 

The  envious  dragon's  cruel  head 
Thou  with  thy  heel  dost  trample 

down. 
And  of  a  stainless  origin 
Thou  only  dost  the  glory  own. 

0  Flower  of  the  human  race. 
Who  takest  Eve's  reproach  away, 
Protect  us  when  we  cry  to  thee, 
Our  tottering   footsteps  deign  to 
stay. 


232 


APPARITION  OF  THE  BLESSED  VIRGIN 

^Serpentis  antiqui  potens  From  the  old  serpent's  wiles  and 

Astus  retunde  et  impetus,  force, 

Ut  ccelitura  perennibus  Thy  clients  mightily  defend. 

Per  te  fruamur  gaudiis.  That,  through  thy  mercy,  they  may 

win 
Those  heavenly  joys  which  neve* 
end. 

^Jesu,  tibi  sit  gloria  Jesus,  to  Thee  be  glory  given, 

Qui  natus  es  de  Virgine,  Whom  erst  the  Virgin-Mother  bore, 

Cum  Patre,  et  almo  Spiritu  With  Father  and  with  Holy  Ghost, 

In  sempiterna  saecula.  Through  endless  ages  evermore. 

Author:  Unknown.  Meter:  Iambic  dimeter.  Trans- 
lation by  Archbishop  Bagshawe ;  there  are  no  other  trans- 
lations. Liturgical  Use  :  Hymn  for  Matins  on  the  Feast  of 
the  Blessed  Virgin  Mary  Immaculate  at  Lourdes. 

This  Feast  was  authorized  by  Pope  Leo  XIII,  and  was 
extended  to  the  entire  Church  by  Pope  Pius  X,  in  1907. 
The  OflQce  with  its  three  proper  hymns  appeared  only  re- 
cently in  the  Breviary. 

The  hymns  are  translated  by  Archbishop  Bagshawe,  in 
his  Breviary  Hymns  and  Missal  Sequences.  With  the  ex- 
ception of  the  hymn  for  Matins  they  are  also  translated  by 
the  Benedictines  of  Stanbrook,  in  their  The  Day  Hours  of 
the  Church. 

To  understand  many  allusions  in  these  hymns,  the  article 
on  Lourdes,  in  the  Cath.  Encycl.  should  be  consulted.  This 
is  especially  true  of  the  hymn  Omnis  expertem. 

1.  **We  praise  thee  with  jubilation,  O  stainless  Mother  of 
God;  for  our  praises,  graciously  bestow  upon  us  thy 
favor. ' ' 

2.  "We  guilty  descendants  of  Adam  are  brought  forth 
a  sin-infected  people ;  thou  alone,  0  Virgin,  we  believe  art 
free  from  our  first  father's  infection."  Crederis,  passive, 
thou  art  believed.  The  dogma  of  the  Immaculate  Concep- 
tion was  proclaimed  by  Pope  Pius  IX,  Dec.  8,  1854.  Read 
the  article  on  Immaculate  Conception,  in  the  Cath.  Encycl. 

3.  '  *  Thou  dost  crush  with  thy  heel  the  head  of  the  envious 
dragon,  and  dost  alone  preserve  the  glory  of  a  stainless 
origin."  Vestigio:  lit.,  a  footprint;  that  part  of  the  foot 
which  makes  a  print — the  sole.    It  is  here  used  in  the  sense 

233 


PROPER  OF  SAINTS 

of  calcaneum,  the  heel.    Ipsa  conteret  caput  tuum,  et  tu  in- 
sidiaberis  calcaneo  ejus  (Gen.  3,  15). 

4.  "0  thou,  the  glory  of  the  human  race,  who  takest 
away  the  reproach  of  Eve,  protect  thy  suppliants,  and  en- 
courage us  who  waver." 

5.  **Do  thou  mightily  frustrate  the  cunning  and  the  as- 
saults of  the  old  serpent,  and  through  thee  may  we  enjoy 
the  everlasting  joys  of  heaven." 


99 


Aurora  soli  prcevia 


AURORA  soli  praevia 
Felix  salutis  nuntia, 
In  noctis  umbra  plebs  tua 
Te,  Virgo,  supplex  invocat. 


^Torrens  nefastis  fluctibus 
Cunctos  trahens  voragine, 
Leni  residit  aequore 
Cum  transit  Area  foederis. 


OROSY  dawn!  that  dost  pro- 
claim 
Salvation's  happy  day, 
To  thee,   0   Virgin,   'mid  night's 

shades, 
Thy  people  humbly  pray. 

The  torrent,  that  engulfs  all  those 
Within  its  whirlpool  drawn, 
Rests   calm    as    o'er    its    softened 

wave 
The  ark  of  God  is  borne. 


^Dum  torret  arescens  humus, 
Tu  rore  sola  spargeris; 
Tellure  circimi  rorida, 
Intacta  sola  permanes. 


While     earth     is     parched     with 

scorching  heat. 
Alone  thou  art  bedewed; 
With    dew    o'erspread    the    earth 

around. 
And  thou   untouched  art  viewed. 


*Fatale  virus  evomens 
Attollit  anguis  verticem; 
At  tu  draconis  turgidum 
Invicta  conteris  caput. 

"Mater  benigna,  respice 
Fletus  precesque  supplicum, 
Et  dimicantes  tartari 
Victrix  tuere  ab  hostibus. 

^Jesu,  tibi  sit  gloria. 
Qui  natus  es  de  Virgine, 
Cum  Patre,  et  almo  Spiritu, 
In  sempiterna  saecula. 


The  serpent  rears  his  head  aloft 
Disgorging  poisoned  spleen; 
But  thou  his  proud,  inflated  head 
Dost  crush  with  power  as  Queen. 

0  loving  Mother,  hear  our  prayer, 
As  suppliant  we  cry; 
Protect  us  in  our  strife  with  hell 
Who  dost  its  power  defy. 

0  Jesu,  born  of  Virgin  bright. 
All  glory  be  to  Thee, 
With  Father  and  with  Paraclete, 
Through  all  eternity. 


234 


APPARITION  OF  THE  BLESSED  VIRGIN 

Author:  Unknown.  Meter:  Iambic  dimeter.  Trans- 
lation by  the  Benedictines  of  Stanbrook.  There  are  two 
translations.  Liturgical  Use:  Hymn  for  Lauds.  See  the 
note  on  the  preceding  hymn. 

1.  "0  dawn  that  goeth  before  the  sun,  joyous  herald 
of  our  salvation,  thy  people,  0  Virgin,  suppliantly  invoke 
thee  amid  the  shades  of  night."  Mary  was  the  dawn  that 
preceded  the  rising  Sun  of  Justice. 

2.  ''The  torrent  with  its  inauspicious  waves  which  draws 
all  men  into  the  whirlpool,  subsides  into  a  placid  sea  while 
the  Ark  of  the  Covenant  is  passing."  Area  foederis,  Ark  of 
the  Covenant  (Litany) ;  for  an  explanation  of  this  title  of 
our  Blessed  Lady,  see  the  last  paragraph  of  the  article  on 
Ark,  in  the  Cath.  Encycl.  The  Ark  of  the  Covenant  was  the 
most  sacred  object  the  Israelites  possessed,  and  it  was  the 
material  symbol  of  the  Divine  presence  (cf.  Exod.  25,  10-22; 
Josue  3-4). 

3.  "When  the  dry  earth  is  parched,  thou  alone  art  be- 
sprinkled with  dew;  when  the  earth  on  every  side  is  wet 
with  dew,  thou  alone  dost  remain  untouched"  (cf.  Judges 
6,  37). 

4.  "The  serpent  vomiting  forth  his  fatal  poison  lifts 
his  head,  but  thou  unconquered  (Maid)  dost  crush  the 
swollen  head  of  the  dragon."    (Cf.  Gen.  3,  4-15). 

5.  "0  loving  Mother,  behold  the  tears  and  prayers  of 
thy  suppliants,  and  victoriously  defend  those  in  battle  with 
the  hosts  of  hell." 


100  Omnis  expertem 

OMNIS       expertem       maculae     T  0!   Mary  is  exempt  from  stain 
Mariam  •*-'        of  sin, 

Edocet  summus  fidei  magister;          Proclaims  the  Pontiff  high; 
Virginis  gaudens  celebrat  fidelis     And  earth   applauding  celebrates 
Terra   triumphum.  with   joy 

Her  triumph,   far  and   high. 

^  Ipsa  se  praebens  humili  puellae         Unto    a    lowly    timid    maid    she 
Virgo  spectandam,  recreat  paven-  shows 

tem,  Her  form  in  beauty  fair, 

235 


PROPER  OF  SAINTS 


Seque  conceptam  sine  labe  sancto 
Praedicat   ore. 


^0  specus  felix,  decorate  divae 
Matris  aspectu!  veneranda  rupes, 
Unde  vitales  scatuere  pleno 
Gurgite  lymphae. 


*  Hue  catervatira  pia  turba  nostris, 

Hue  ab  externis  peregrina  terris 

Affluit  supplex,  et  opem  potentis 

Virginis  orat. 


"  Excipit     Mater 
cantum, 


lacrimas     pre- 


Donat  optatam  miseris  salutem; 
Compos  hinc  voti  patrias  ad  oras 
Turba  revertit. 


'  Supplicum,       Virgo,       miserata 
casus, 
Semper  o  nostros  refove  labores, 
Impetrans     moestis     bona     sem- 
piternae 

Gaudia  vitae. 

^Sit  decus  Patri,  genitaeque  Proli, 
Et  tibi  compar  utriusque  virtus 
Spiritus  semper,  Deus  unus,  omni 
Temporis  aevo. 


And   the   Immaculate   Conception 
truth 
Her  sacred  lips  declare. 

0  honored  cave,  by  Mary's  smile 

adorned ! 
0  hallowed  rock,  whence  spring 
The   living   waters   of   a   gushing 

stream, 
The  gifts  of  life  to  bring. 

And    thither    from    the    farmost 

bounds  of  earth 
The  pilgrims  wend  their  way, 
And  suppliant  around  the  Virgin's 

shrine 
Her  powerful  help  they  pray. 

The    sufferers'    cry    the    Mother 

fondly  hears, 
And  grants  the  longed-for  grace; 
And  health  restored,  the  pilgrim 

throng  returns 
Unto  its  native  place. 

0  Virgin !  have  compassion  on  our 

needs, 
Refresh  us  laboring  on; 
Obtain  for  us  the  joys  of  heavenly 

life, 
When  sorrow  all  is  gone. 

All  praise  and  honor  to  the  Father 

be. 
And  to  His  only  Son, 
And  to  the  Spirit,  power  of  both, 

for  aye, 
In  Godhead  ever  One. 


Author  :  Unknown.  Meter  :  Sapphic  and  Adonic.  Trans- 
lation by  the  Benedictines  of  Stanbrook.  There  are  two 
translations.  Liturgical  Use  :  Hymn  for  II  Vespers  on  the 
Feast  of  the  B.V.M.  Immaculate.  The  hymn  for  I  Ves- 
pers is  the  Ave  maris  stella.    See  the  note  on  hymn  98. 

1.  ''The  supreme  teacher  of  faith  solemnly  affirms  that 
Mary  is  free  from  all  stain;  the  faithful  every^vhere  re- 

236 


THE  SEVEN  HOLY  FOUNDERS 

joicing  celebrate  the  triumph  of  the  Virgin."  Summus 
magister:  Pope  Pius  IX,  who  proclaimed  the  dogma  of 
the  Immaculate  Conception,  Dec.  8,  1854. 

2.  ''The  Virgin  revealing  herself  in  all  comeliness  to  an 
humble  maid  reassures  the  trembling  girl,  and  with  sacred 
lips  declares  herself  to  have  been  conceived  without  sin." 
The  lowly  maid  to  whom  the  Blessed  Virgin  appeared  on 
eighteen  different  occasions  was  a  fourteen-year-old  girl, 
Bernadette  Soubiroux.  On  one  occasion  she  revealed  her 
identity  saying:    *'I  am  the  Immaculate  Conception." 

3.  "0  fortunate  grotto,  honored  by  the  apparition  of 
the  Blessed  Mother !  0  hallowed  rock,  whence  living  waters 
in  full  stream  gush  forth ! ' '  The  reference  is  to  the  mys- 
terious spring  from  which  flows  the  wonder-working  water 
of  Lourdes. 

4.  ''Hither  in  troops  do  pious  pilgrims  come  from  our 
own  country;  hither  from  the  foreign  lands  suppliant  pil- 
grims come,  and  implore  the  aid  of  the  powerful  Virgin." 
Hue:  hither,  to  Lourdes  in  France.  Nearly  five  million  pil- 
grims, in  5,297  pilgrimages  visited  Lourdes  from  1867  to 
1908. 

5.  * '  The  Mother  receives  the  tears  of  the  petitioners  and 
grants  to  the  afflicted  the  desired  health;  having  obtained 
their  wish  the  pilgrims  return  to  their  own  countries." 
Precantum  for  precantium. 

6.  "0  Virgin,  thou  who  dost  compassionate  the  misfor- 
tunes of  thy  suppliants,  ever  alleviate  our  sufferings  and 
obtain  for  the  afflicted  the  blessed  joys  of  eternal  life." 

THE  SEVEN  HOLY  FOUNDERS 

Feb.  12 

101  Bella  dum  late 

BELLA  dum  late  furerent,  et     "WTHEN  war  was  raging,  and  the 
urbes  ^      town 

Caede  fraterna  gemerent  cruentae,     Was   red   with   blood   of   brother 
Adfuit  Virgo,  nova  semper  edens  bands, 

Munera  matris.  Our     Virgin-Mother     bowed     her 

down 
With  bounteous  hands. 
237 


PROPER  OF  SAINTS 

'En  vocat  septem  famulos,  fideles     Seven    faithful    sons   she   bid   to 
Ut  sibi  in  luctu  recolant  dolores,  share 

Quos     tulit     Jesus,     tulit     ipsa     Her  Dolours,  all  the  shame  and 
consors  loss 

Sub  cruce  Nati.  Which  Jesus  suffered,  and  she  bare 

Beneath  His  Cross. 


'Illico  parent  Dominae  vocanti: 
Splendidis       tectis       opibusque 

spretis, 
Urbe  secedunt  procul  in  Senari 
Abdita  montis. 


*  Corpora     hie     poenis      cruciant 
acerbis, 
Sontium  labes  hominum  piantes: 
Hie  prece   avertunt  lacrymisque 
fusis 

Numinis  iram. 


So    when    their    Lady    called,    as 

naught 
They   deemed   their    palaces    and 

wealth, 
The     mountain's     desert     places 

sought 
Far  off  by  stealth. 

For  others'  sins  the  scourge  they 

plied, 
As  they  the  way  of  penance  trod; 
By  prayers  and  tears  they  turned 

aside 
The  wrath  of  God. 


'Perdolens     Mater     fovet,     atque 

amictum 
Ipsa  lugubrem  monet  induendum : 
Agminis       sancti       pia       ccepta 
surgunt, 

Mira  patescunt. 

•Palmes      in      bruma      viridans 
honores 
Nuntiat  patrum:  proprios  Mariae 
Ore  lactenti  vocitant  puelli 
Nomine  Servos. 


^Sit  decus  Patri,  genitaeque  Proli, 
Et  tibi,  compar  utriusque  virtus 
Spiritus     semper,     Deus     unus, 
omni 

Temporis  aevo. 


Token  of  love,  the  Mother's  hand 
Gave  to  her   sons   their   garb   of 

woe; 
Sanctioned   the   pious    work   they 

planned. 

With  wondrous  show. 

The  vine,  to  spread  their  honors 

wide. 
Her    sprouts    in    winter    greenly 

flung, 
*'See,  those  are  Mary's  servants," 

cried 
The  infant  tongue. 

Now   to    the    Father    thanks    and 

praise; 
To  Thee,  0  Son,  the  same  we  send; 
To  Thee,  great  Spirit,  through  all 

days 

World  without  end. 


Author:  Vincent  Tarozzi,  19th  cent.     Meter;  Sapphic 
and  Adonic.     Translation  anon,   in   the   Servile   Manual 


238 


THE  SEVEN  HOLY  FOUNDERS 

(1892).  Liturgical  Use:  Hymn  for  Matins.  With  the  ex- 
ception of  the  hymn  Matris  sub  ahnce  numine,  the  five 
hymns  formerly  in  use  on  the  Feast  of  the  Seven  Founders 
have  been  omitted  from  the  latest  editions  of  the  Breviary. 
The  five  hymns  were  translated  by  Archbishop  Bagshawe 
and  Father  Wallace,  O.S.B.  Julian's  Dictionary  of  Hym- 
nology  mentions  no  translations  of  the  hymns  in  honor  of 
the  Seven  Holy  Founders.  Read  the  article  on  Servites, 
Order  of,  in  the  Cath.  Encycl. 

1.  ''While  wars  were  raging  and  blood-stained  cities 
groaned  with  fratricidal  carnage,  the  Virgin  appeared 
ever  manifesting  the  new  gifts  of  a  mother."  Bella:  The 
bloody  feuds  and  dissensions  among  the  Italian  cities  from 
the  11th  to  the  13th  century  are  familiar  to  the  student  of 
history.  St.  Alexis,  the  last  of  the  Seven  Founders,  died 
in  1310. 

2.  ''Behold,  in  her  grief,  she  calls  unto  herself  seven 
faithful  servants  that  they  might  recall  to  mind  the  suffer- 
ings which  Jesus  endured,  and  which  she,  the  sharer  of  His 
sufferings,  endured  beneath  the  Cross  of  her  Son."  The 
object  of  the  Servite  Order  is  to  preach  everywhere  com- 
passion for  the  sufferings  of  Jesus  crucified  and  of  Mary 
desolate,  as  well  as  hatred  for  sin,  the  accursed  cause  of 
them  both  (cf.  Servite  Manual,  p.  xiv). 

3.  "Without  hesitation  they  obey  their  Lady's  call: 
spurning  their  stately  palaces  and  wealth,  they  with- 
draw afar  from  the  city  into  the  hidden  recesses  of  Mount 
Senario."  The  Blessed  Virgin  first  appeared  to  the  Seven 
Holy  Founders  in  1233.  She  exhorted  them  to  leave  the 
world  and  dedicate  themselves,  under  her  auspices,  to  the 
service  of  God.    This  they  did  without  delay. 

4.  "Here  they  afflict  their  bodies  with  dire  punishments, 
atoning  for  the  sins  of  guilty  men:  here  by  their  prayers 
and  by  their  abundant  tears  they  avert  the  anger  of  God. ' ' 

5.  "The  Mother  greatly  encourages  them  and  tells  them 
that  they  should  wear  a  garb  indicative  of  mourning;  the 
pious  undertakings  of  the  holy  company  prosper;  won- 
drous things  become  manifest."    Mira,  miracles. 

6.  "A  young  vine  becoming  green  in  winter  proclaims 
the  glory  of  the  Fathers :  children  unweaned  proclaim  them 

239 


PROPER  OF  SAINTS 

by  name  to  be  Mary's  own  Servants."  The  miracle  of  the 
vine  occurred  in  March  while  the  mountain  was  still  covered 
with  hoar  frost.  The  vine  which  had  been  planted  the 
preceding  year,  grew  miraculously  in  a  single  night,  and 
was  covered  at  once  with  foliage,  flowers,  and  fruit — a 
symbol  of  the  speedy  increase  of  their  little  community  as 
was  revealed  to  the  bishop  of  Florence,  Puelli:  On  two 
different  occasions  infants  cried  out  in  the  street;  ''Be- 
hold the  servants  of  Mary." 

102  Sic  patres  vitam 

SIC   patres  vitam  peragunt  in     T^HE    fathers    lived    a    life    in 
umbra,  -^        shade, 

Lilia  ut  septem  nivei  decoris.  Yet  seemed  to  Peter's  vision  seven 

Virgini  excelsse  bene  grata,  Petro     White    glistening    lilies    for    the 
Visa  nitere.  Maid, 

The  Queen  of  heaven. 

^  Jamque  divina  rapiente  flamma.  Through  city  streets,  o'er  hills  and 
Cursitant    urbes,     loca     quaeque  plains, 

oberrant,  Upborne  by  love  divine,  they  trod. 

Si  queant  cunctis  animis  dolores  To  fix  in  men  the  Mother's  pains, 
Figere  Matris.  The  swords  of  God. 

^Hinc  valent  iras  domuisse  caecas.  This  was  the  power  in  which  they 
Nescia     et     pacis     fera     corda  spoke, 

jungunt.  Till  each  wild  passion  owned  their 
Erigunt    moestos,    revocant    no-  sway: 

centes  They  cheered  the  sad,  from  sinners 
Dicta  piorum.  broke 

Their  chains  away. 

*At  suos  Virgo  comitata  servos         Till  at  last  the  Virgin  Queen 
Evehit  tandem  superas  ad  oras:     Led  them  to  mansions  in  the  sky, 
Gemmeis  sertis  decorat  per  aevum     Mansions  where  garlands  aye  are 
Omne  beatos.  green. 

And  never  die. 

''Eja    nunc    coetus    gemitum    pre-     May  they  hear  cries   of  all  who 
cantis  pray, 

Audiant,  duros  videant  labores:     And   see   how    hard    our    earthly 
Semper  et  nostris  f aveant  benigno  strife : 

Lumine  votis.  Aiding  us  onward  to  the  day 

When  all  is  life. 

240 


THE  SEVEN  HOLY  FOUNDERS 

*Sit  decus  Patri,  genitaeque  Proli,     Now   to   the    Father   thanks   and 
Et  tibi,  compar  utriusque  Virtus  praise; 

Spiritus  semper,  Deus  unus  omni     To    Thee,    0   Son,    the   same   we 
Temporis  aevo.  send; 

To  Thee,  great  Spirit,  through  all 
days. 
World  without  end. 

Author:  Vincent  Tarozzi,  19th  cent.  Meter:  Sapphic 
and  Adonic.  Translation  by  Charles  Kegan  Paul.  Litur- 
gical Use  :  Hymn  for  Lauds  on  the  Feast  of  the  Seven  Holy 
Founders. 

L  **The  Fathers  spent  their  lives  in  obscurity, — yet 
as  seven  lilies  of  snow-white  beauty  they  seemed  to  Peter 
to  shine — well  pleasing  to  the  Virgin  high  exalted."  Petro: 
St.  Peter  of  Verona  saw  in  a  vision  a  mountain  covered 
with  flowers,  among  which  were  seven  lilies,  dazzling  white, 
of  exquisite  perfume.  Mary  herself  explained  the  vision — 
the  flowers  were  the  Religious  on  Mount  Senario,  the  seven 
lilies  were  the  Seven  Founders. 

2.  *'And  now  divine  charity  impelling  them,  they  tra- 
verse cities  and  wander  everywhere,  if  perchance  they 
might  be  able  to  fix  the  Sorrows  of  the  Mother  in  the  souls 
of  all." 

3.  **By  this  means  they  are  able  to  restrain  blind  pas- 
sions; they  unite  (in  the  bonds  of  love)  fierce  hearts  igno- 
rant of  peace;  the  words  of  the  pious  preachers  raise  up 
the  dejected  and  recall  sinners." 

4.  ''At  last  the  Virgin  leading  forth  her  servants  ac- 
companies them  to  the  heavenly  regions,  and  with  jeweled 
garlands  she  adorns  her  servants  forever  blessed." 

5.  **0  may  they  now  hear  the  sighs  of  those  assembled 
in  prayer ;  may  they  behold  their  difficult  labors ;  and  may 
they  with  loving  inspirations  be  favorable  to  our  prayers. ' ' 

103  Matris  sub  almcs 

MATRIS  sub  almae  numine         \^  Mary's  inspiration  led, 
Septena  proles  nascitur:  ■*-'  A  sevenfold  offspring  comes 

Ipsa  vocante,  ad  arduum  to  light; 

Tendit  Senari  verticem.  At  Mary's  call  away  they  sped 

To  Mount  Senario's  rugged  height. 

241 


PROPER  OF  SAINTS 


'Quos  terra  fructus  proferet 
Dum  sacra  proles  germinat, 
Uvis  repente  turgitis 
Onusta  vitis  praemonet. 


'Virtute  claros  nobili 
Mors  sancta  ccelo  consecrat: 
Tenent  olympi  limina 
Servi  fideles  Virginis. 


*  Cohors  beata  Numinis 
Regno  potita  respice 
Quos  hinc  recedens  fraudibus 
Cinctos  relinquis  hostium. 


'Ergo,  per  almse  vulnera 
Matris  rogamus  supplices, 
Mentis  tenebras  disjice, 
Cordis  procellas  comprime. 


What  fruits   of   grace   the   earth 

shall  bear 
When  they  have  sown  their  seeds 

divine! 
Christ's     vine     shall     bud     with 

clusters  rare, 
Empurpled  with  the  ruddy  wine. 

A  holy  death  to  heaven  speeds 
The     souls     with    virtue's    glory 

crowned ; 
When     Mary     for     her     servants 

pleads, 
Heaven's  blessed  portals  they  have 

found. 

O  happy  souls  who  now  obtain 
The    Kingdom,    and    the    scepter 

bear! 
Look  down  on  us  who  still  remain 
Where   Satan    spreads   his   subtle 

snare. 

Therefore  on  bended  knee  we  pray. 
For  sake  of  Mary's  bitter  grief; 
Chase    darkness    from    our    mind 


And 


away, 
give    our 
relief. 


troubled    hearts 


•  Tu  nos,  beata  Trinitas, 
Perfunde  sancto  robore, 
Possimus  ut  feliciter 
Exempla  patrum  subsequi. 


And  Thou,  0  Trinity  Divine! 
Confirm  us  in  Thy  holy  grace! 
That  so  we  may  our  hearts  incline 
To  walk  in   these   Thy  servants' 
ways. 


Author:  Vincent  Tarozzi,  19th  cent.  Meter:  Iambic 
dimeter.  Translation  by  Father  Wallace,  O.S.B.  Litur- 
GiOAii  Use  :  Hymn  for  II  Vespers  on  the  Feast  of  the  Seven 
Holy  Founders. 

1.  *' Under  the  fostering  care  of  the  Blessed  Mother,  a 
sevenfold  progeny  comes  into  being:  she  calls  them,  and 
they  direct  their  steps  to  the  lofty  summit  of  Mount  Se- 
nario."   Proles  is  the  subject  of  nascitur  and  tendit. 

2.  *  *  The  vine  suddenly  laden  with  bursting  clusters  f  ore- 

242 


ST.  JOSEPH 

shadows  what  rich  fruits  the  earth  shall  produce  when  this 
sacred  progeny  expands. ' '  The  miraculous  vine  is  referred 
to  in  Hymn  101. 

3.  *'A  holy  death  doth  consecrate  to  God  those  rendered 
illustrious  by  great  virtue:  the  faithful  servants  of  the 
Virgin  possess  mansions  in  heaven. ' ' 

4.  "0  blessed  band  who  have  obtained  possession  of  the 
Kingdom  of  God;  departing  hence,  look  down  on  those 
whom  you  leave  behind,  surrounded  by  the  snares  of 
enemies." 

5.  ' '  Suppliantly,  therefore,  we  ask  through  the  wounds 
of  a  loving  Mother, — dispel  the  darkness  of  our  minds,  and 
restrain  the  passions  of  our  souls. ' ' 

6.  ''Mayest  Thou,  0  Holy  Trinity,  fill  us  with  Thy 
strength,  that  happily  we  may  be  able  to  follow  the  example 
of  the  Fathers." 


ST.  JOSEPH 

Mae.  19 
104  Te,  Joseph,  celebrent 

T^E,   Joseph,  celebrent  agmina  T  ET   Angels   chant   thy   praise, 

-'-      ccelitum,  -*-^        pure     spouse     of     purest 

Te    cuncti   resonent   christiadum  Bride, 

chori,  While  Christendom's  sweet  choirs 

Qui    clarus    meritis,    junctus    es  the  gladsome  strains  repeat, 

inclytae  To    tell   thy    wondrous   fame,    to 

Casto  foedere  Virgini.  raise  the  pealing  hymn, 

Wherewith  we  all  thy  glory  greet. 

^Almo     cum     tumidam     germine     When  doubts  and  bitter  fears  thy 
conjugem  heavy  heart  oppressed, 

Admirans,  dubio  tangeris  anxius,     And  filled  thy  righteous  soul  with 
Aflflatu  superi  Flaminis  Angelus  sorrow  and  dismay, 

Conceptum  puerum  docet.  An     Angel     quickly     came,     the 

wondrous  secret  told, 
And    drove    thy    anxious    griefs 
away. 

243 


PROPER  OF  SAINTS 


^Tu  natum  Dominum  stringis,  ad 

exteras 
i^gypti    profugum    tu    sequeris 

plagas; 
Amissum     Solyrais     quseris,     et 

invenis, 
Miscens  gaudia  fletibus. 


*Post  mortem  reliquos  mors  pia 

consecrat, 
Palmamque  emeritos  gloria  sus- 

cipit : 
Tu  vivens,   Superis   par,   frueris 

Deo, 
Mira  sorte  beatior. 


Thy  arms  thy  new-born  Lord,  with 

tender  joy  embrace; 
Him   then   to    Egypt's    Land   thy 

watchful  care  doth  bring; 
Him  in  the  Temple's  courts  once 

lost  thou  dost  regain, 
And  'mid  thy  tears  dost  greet  thy 

King. 

Not  till  death's  pangs  are  o'er  do 
others  gain  their  crown, 

But,  Joseph,  unto  thee  the  blessed 
lot  was  given 

While  life  did  yet  endure,  thy 
God  to  see  and  know, 

As  do  the  Saints  above  in  heaven. 


*  Nobis,  summa  Trias,  parce  pre-     Grant     us,     great     Trinity,     for 

cantibus,  Joseph's  holy  sake. 

Da  Joseph   meritis   sidera   scan-     In  highest  bliss  and  love,  above 

dere:  the  stars  to  reign, 

Ut  tandem   liceat  nos   tibi  per-     That    we    in    joy    with    him   may 

petim  praise  our  loving  God, 

Gratum  promere  canticum.  And  sing  our  glad  eternal  strain. 

Author:  Unknown,  17th  cent.  Meter:  Asclepiadic  and 
Glyconic.  Translation  by  Father  Potter.  There  are  seven 
translations.  Liturgical  Use  :  Vespers  hymn  on  the  Feast 
of  St.  Joseph.  Of  the  three  hymns  given  here  for  the  Feast 
of  St.  Joseph,  the  first  two  are  used  also  in  the  office  of  the 
Solemnity  of  St.  Joseph,  which  is  celebrated  on  the  "Wed- 
nesday before  the  third  Sunday  after  Easter. 

1.  *'May  the  hosts  of  heavenly  spirits  praise  thee,  0 
Joseph;  may  all  the  choirs  of  Christendom  resound  with 
thy  name,  thou  w^ho,  renowned  for  merits,  wast  united  in 
chaste  wedlock  to  the  glorious  Virgin." 

2.  ''When  thou  didst  wonder  at  thy  bride  grown  great 
with  her  august  Child,  sorely  wert  thou  afflicted  with  doubt ; 
but  an  Angel  taught  thee  that  the  Child  was  conceived  by 
abreathof  the  Holy  Spirit."  (Cf.  Matt.  1,  18-21).  Flam- 
inis:  flcmien,  from  flo  1,  to  blow,  just  as  spiritus  is  from 
spiro,  to  blow. 

3.  ''Thou  dost  embrace  the  new-born  Lord,  and  dost  fol- 
low Him,  a  fugitive,  to  remote  parts  of  Egypt:  lost  in 

244 


ST.  JOSEPH 

Jerusalem,  thou  dost  seek  and  find  Him,  thus  mingling 
joys  with  tears."  Solt/^nce,  arum  =  Hierosolyma,  orum, 
Jerusalem.  (Cf.  Luke  2,  48). 

4.  "A  pious  death  doth  make  other  men  happy  after 
death,  and  glory  awaiteth  those  who  have  merited  a  palm: 
but  thou  still  living,  in  a  wonderous  manner  more  fortu- 
nate, dost,  like  the  Blessed,  enjoy  thy  God."  Emeritos,  the 
p.  part,  of  the  deponent  emereor. 

b.  "0  sovereign  Trinity,  have  mercy  on  us  Thy  sup- 
pliants ;  grant  that  by  the  merits  of  St.  Joseph  we  may  enter 
heaven,  and  that  finally  we  may  be  permitted  to  sing  unto 
Thee  forever  a  sweet  canticle." 


105  Ccelitum  Joseph  decus 

CCELITUM  Joseph  decus,  atque  JOSEPH,   the   praise  and  glory 

nostras  J          of  the  heavens, 

Certa     spes     vitse,     columenque  Sure  pledge  of  life,  and  safety  of 

mundi,  the  wide  world, 

Quas  tibi  laeti  canimus,  benignus  As  in  our  joy  we  sing  to  thee,  in 

Suscipe  laudes.  kindness 

List  to  our  praises. 

^Te  Sator  rerum  statuit  pudicae  Thou  by  the  world's  Creator  wert 

Virginis      sponsum,      voluitque  appointed 

Verbi  Spouse    of   the   Virgin:    thee    He 

Te  patrem  dici,  dedit  et  minis-  willed  to  honor 

trum  Naming  thee  Father  of  the  Word, 

Esse  salutis.  and  guardian 

Of  our  salvation. 

"Tu  Redemptorem  stabulo  jacen-  Thou   thy   Redeemer,   lying  in   a 

tem,  stable, 

Quem     chorus     Vatum     cecinit  Whom  long  ago  foretold  the  choir 

futurum,  of  prophets, 

Aspicis  gaudens,  humilisque  na-  Sawest    rejoicing,    and    thy    God 

tum  adoredst 

Numen  adoras.  Humble  in  childhood. 

*Rex    Deus     regum,     Dominator  God,  King  of  Kings,  and  Governor 

orbis,  of  the  ages, 

Cujus     ad     nutum     tremit     in-  He  at  whose  word  the  powers  of 

ferorum  hell  do  tremble, 

245 


PROPER  OF  SAINTS 

Turba,     cui    pronus     famulatur     He  whom  the  adoring  heavens  ever 
aether,  worship 

Se  tibi  subdit.  Called  thee  protector. 

'Laus  sit  excelsae  Triadi  perennis.     Praise    to    the    Triune    Godhead 
Quae  tibi  praebens  superos  hon-  everlasting, 

ores,  Who    with    such    honor   mightily 

Det  tuis  nobis  meritis  beatae  hath  blest  thee; 

Gaudia  vitae.  O  may  He  grant  us  at  thy  blest 

petition 
Joys  everlasting. 

Authok:  Unknown,  17th  cent.  Meter:  Sapphic  and 
Adonic.  Translation  by  Alan  G.  McDougall.  There  are 
six  translations.  Liturgical  Use:  Hymn  for  Matins  on 
the  Feast  of  St.  Joseph. 

1.  "Thou  art,  0  Joseph,  the  glory  of  the  Blessed,  the 
sure  hope  of  our  life,  and  the  pillar  of  the  world :  graciously 
accept  the  praises  we  now  joyfully  sing  to  thee." 

2.  ''The  Creator  of  the  world  appointed  thee  the  spouse 
of  the  most  pure  Virgin,  and  He  willed  that  thou  be  called 
the  father  of  the  Word;  and  He  made  thee  a  minister  of 
salvation."    Ministrum,  instrument. 

3.  ''Rejoicing  thou  didst  behold  the  Redeemer  lying  in 
the  stable.  Him  whose  advent  the  choir  of  prophets  had 
foretold;  and  thou  didst  humbly  adore  the  new-born  God." 

4.  "God,  the  King  of  kings,  and  the  Ruler  of  the  world, 
at  whose  nod  the  hosts  of  hell  tremble,  whom  the  heavens 
prostrate  serve,  makes  Himself  subject  to  thee."  Se  suh- 
dit:  Et  erat  subditus  illis  (Luke  2,  51). 

5.  "Never-ending  praise  be  to  the  most  high  Trinity  who 
didst  bestow  upon  thee  heavenly  honors,  and  may  the  same 
grant  us,  through  thy  merits,  the  joys  of  a  blessed  life/* 


106  Iste,  quern  Iceti 

ISTE,  quem  laeti  colimus  fideles,     "WTORSHIPPED  throughout  the 
Cujus  excelsos  canimus  trium-        »^      Church  to  earth's  far  ends 
phos,  With  prayer  and  solemn  rite, 

Hac  die  Joseph  meruit  perennis     Joseph     this     day     triumphantly 
Gaudia  vitae.  ascends 

Into  the  realms  of  light. 

246 


ST.  JOSEPH 


*0  nimis  felix,  nimis  o  beatus, 
Cujus  extremam  vigiles  ad  horam 
Christus  et  Virgo  simul  astiterunt 
Ore  sereno. 


'  Hinc  stygis  victor,  laqueo  solutus 

Carnis,  ad  sedes  placido  sopore 

Migrat  seternas,  rutilisque  cingit 

Temp  or  a  sertis. 


*Ergo  regnantem  flagitemus  om- 
nes, 
Adsit  ut  nobis,  veniamque  nostris 
Obtinens  culpis,  tribuat  supernae 
Munera  pacis. 


"Sint     tibi     plausus,     tibi     sint 
honores, 
Trine,     qui     regnas,     Deus,     et 

coronas 
Aureas  servo  tribuis  fideli 
Omne  per  aevum. 


0  blest  beyond  the  lot  of  mortal 

men! 
O'er  whose  last  dying  sigh 
Christ     and     the     Virgin-Mother 
watched  serene, 
Soothing  his  agony. 

Loosed    from    his    fleshly    chain, 

gently  he  fleets, 
As  in  calm  sleep,  away; 
And  diademed  with  light,  enters 

the  seats 

Of  everlasting  day. 


let 


us 


There   throned   in   power, 

his  loving  aid 
With  fervent  prayers  implore; 
So  may  he  gain  us  pardon  in  our 

need. 
And  peace  forevermore. 

Glory  and  praise  to  Thee,  blest 

Trinity ! 
One  only  God  and  Lord, 
Who    to    Thy    faithful    ones 

failingly 
Their  aureoles  dost  award. 


un- 


Authoe:  Unknown,  17tli  cent.  Metee:  Sapphic  and 
Adonic.  Teanslation  by  Father  Caswall.  There  are  five 
translations.  Lituegical  Use:  Hymn  for  Lauds  on  the 
Feast  of  St.  Joseph. 

1.  **He,  whom  we  the  faithful  now  joyfully  honor,  whose 
glorious  triumphs  we  sing,  Joseph,  hath  this  day  obtained 
the  joys  of  eternal  life. ' ' 

2.  "0  thrice  happy,  and  thrice  blessed  Saint,  at  whose 
last  hour,  Christ  and  the  Virgin  keeping  watch,  assisted 
with  serene  countenance." 

3.  ''Victorious  over  hell,  and  liberated  from  the  bonds 
of  the  flesh,  he  departs  hence  in  a  peaceful  sleep  to  his  eter- 
nal home,  and  crowns  his  temples  with  shining  garlands. ' ' 

4.  "Now  reigning  above,  let  us  all  beseech  him  to  help 
us,  obtaining  for  us  pardon  for  our  sins,  and  procuring  for 
us  (by  his  intercession)  the  gifts  of  heavenly  peace." 

247 


PROPER  OF  SAINTS 

5.  ''Glory  and  honor  be  to  Thee,  0  God,  Three  in  One, 
who  reignest  and  who  dost  bestow  upon  Thy  faithful  ser- 
vants everlasting  crowns  of  gold."  Servo  fideli,  in  a  col- 
lective sense — every  faithful  servant.  Trine,  see  denus  in 
the  Glossary. 


107 


ST.  HERMENGILD 

Apr.  13 
Regali  solio 


REGALI  solio  fortis  Iberise, 
Herraenegilde  jubar,  gloria 
Martyrum, 
Christi  quos  amor  almis 
Coeli  coetibus  inserit. 


■Ut 


patiens,    pollicitum 
quo  potius 


perstas 

Deo 
Servans  obsequiura! 

tibi 

Nil  proponis,  et  arces 
Cautus  noxia,  quae  placent. 


GLORY  of  Iberia's  throne! 
Joy  of  martyred  Saints  above! 
Who  the  crown  of  life  have  won 
Dying  for  their  Saviour's  love. 


What  intrepid  faith  was  thine! 
What  unswerving  constancy! 
Bent  to  do  the  will  divine 
With  exact  fidelity. 


Every  rising  motion  checked 
Which  might  lead  thy  heart  astray, 
How  thou  didst  thy  course  direct 
Whither  virtue  showed  the  way. 


Honor,  glory,  majesty, 
To  the  Father  and  the  Son, 
With  the  Holy  Spirit  be, 
While  eternal  ages  run. 


'Ut    motus    cohibes,    pabula    qui 
parant 
Surgentis  vitii,  non  dubios  agens 
Per  vestigia  gressus, 
Quo  veri  via  dirigit! 

*Sit   rerum   Domino   jugis  honor 

Patri, 
Et  Natiun  celebrent  ora  precan- 

tium, 
Divinumque  supremis 
Flamen  laudibus  efferant. 

Authob:  Pope  Urban  VIII  (1568-1644).  Meter:  Lines 
1,  2  of  each  stanza,  Asclepiadic;  line  4  is  Glyconic;  line  3 
is  the  same  as  line  4  but  catalectic.  This  and  the  following 
hymn  are  the  only  hymns  in  the  Breviary  written  in  this 
meter.  Translation  by  Father  Caswall.  There  are  four 
translations.  Liturgical  Use:  Hymn  for  Vespers  and 
Lauds.    Read  the  article  on  St.  Hermengild,  in  the  Cath. 

248 


ST.  HERMENGILD 

Encycl.     Note  the  spelling — Hermengild  or  Hermenegild. 

1.  ''Brave  Hermengild,  shining  light  for  the  throne  of 
Spain,  the  glory  of  the  martyrs  whom  love  for  Christ  hath 
enrolled  among  the  august  choirs  of  heaven. ' '  St.  Hermen- 
gild was  martyred  in  585. 

2.  **How  persistently  didst  thou  persevere  in  the  alle- 
giance promised  to  God!  Nothing  was  more  dear  to  thee 
than  this,  and  thou  didst  cautiously  avoid  hurtful  things 
that  please."  Constr. :  Nil  potius  tibi  proponis  quo  = 
quam  illud,  sc.  obsequium.    Noxia,  earthly  honors,  etc. 

3.  ''How  well  thou  didst  restrain  the  passions  which 
furnish  food  for  incipient  vice,  making  no  hesitating  steps 
along  the  path  whither  the  way  of  truth  directs ! ' ' 

4.  "To  the  Father,  the  Lord  of  creation,  be  perpetual 
honor;  may  the  mouths  of  Thy  suppliants  praise  the  Son, 
and  let  them  glorify  with  sovereign  praise  the  Holy  Spirit. ' ' 


108 


Nullis  te  genitor 


NULLIS   te   genitor   blanditiis 
trahit, 
Non  vitae  caperis  divitis  otio, 
Gemmarumve  nitore, 
Regnandive   cupidine. 

^  Diris  non  acies  te  gladii  minis, 
Nee    tenet    perimens    carnificis 

furor : 
Nam  mansura  caducis 
Prsefers  gaudia  coelitum. 

^Nunc    nos    e    Superum    protege 

sedibus 
Clemens,  atque  preces,  dum  cani- 

mus  tua 
Quaesitam  nece  palmam, 
Pronis  auribus  excipe. 

*Sit  rerum   Domino   jugis  honor 

Patri, 
Et  Natum  celebrent  ora  precan- 

tium, 
Divinumque  supremis 
Flamen  laudibus  efFerant. 


FROM    the    truth    thy    soul   to 
turn, 
Pleads  a  father's  voice  in  vain; 
Naught    to    thee    were    jewelled 

crown, 
Earthly  pleasure,  earthly  gain. 

Angry  threat  and  naked  sword 
Daunted  not  thy  courage  high; 
Choosing  glory  with  the  Lord, 
Rather  than  a  present  joy. 


Now  amidst  the  Saints  in  light, 
Throned  in  bliss  forevermore; — 
Oh!   from  thy  exalted  height, 
Hear  the  solemn  prayer  we  pour. 


Honor,  glory,  majesty. 
To  the  Father  and  the  Son, 
With  the  Holy  Spirit  be, 
While  eternal  ages  run. 


249 


PROPER  OF  SAINTS 

This  is  a  continuation  of  the  preceding  hymn.  Transla- 
tion by  Father  Caswall.  Liturgical  Use;  Hymn  for 
Matins  on  the  Feast  of  St.  Hermengild. 

1.  "By  no  blandishments  could  thy  father  seduce  thee, 
nor  wert  thou  captivated  by  the  leisure  of  a  life  of  affluence, 
nor  by  the  sparkling  of  gems,  nor  by  the  desire  of  reign- 
ing." 

2.  **The  sharp  edge  of  the  sword,  with  dire  threats,  did 
not  terrify  thee,  nor  did  the  destructive  rage  of  the  execu- 
tioner; for  thou  didst  prefer  the  abiding  joys  of  the 
Blessed  to  transitory  ones." 

3.  ''Do  thou  now  from  the  mansions  of  the  Blessed 
graciously  protect  us,  and  with  willing  ear  receive  our 
prayers,  while  we  celebrate  in  song  the  martyr's  palm  ob- 
tained by  thy  death. ' ' 


ST.  VENANTIUS 

May  18 


109 


Martyr  Dei  Venantius 


■V/TARTYR  Dei  Venantius, 
■••'-^  Lux  et  decus  Camertium, 
Tortore  victo  et  judice, 
Lsetus  triumphum  concinit. 


^Annis  puer,  post  vincula, 
Post  carceres,  post  verbera, 
Longa  fame  frementibus 
Cibus  datur  leonibus. 


'Sed  ejus  innocentiae 
Parcit  leonum  immanitas, 
Pedesque  lambunt  Martyris, 
Irae  famisque  immemores. 


VENANTIUS,      hail!       God's 

''         Martyr  bright, 
Thy  country's  honor  and  her  light; 
Who  didst  with  joy  thy  triumph 

sing. 
Thy  judge  and  tortures  conquer- 
ing. 

A  child  in  years,  he  heeds  no  pain, 
Nor  dungeon   damp,  nor  galling 

chain ; 
The    tender    youth    for    food    is 

thrown 
To  lions,  mad  with  hunger  grown. 

O  wondrous  sight!   the  beasts  of 

prey 
Their  food  reject,  and  turn  away; 
Then  tamely  lick  the  Martyr's  feet, 
A  tribute  to  his  virtue  meet. 


250 


ST.  VENANTIUS 

*  Verso  deorsum  vertice  Then  downwards  hung,  his  mouth 

Haurire  fumum  cogitur:  exposed 

Costas  utrimque  et  viscera  To     clouds     of     smoke     beneath 

Succensa  lampas  ustulat.  disposed, 

Whilst  with  slow  torches,  burning 

clear. 
His  naked  breasts  and  sides  they 
sear. 

^  Sit  laus  Patri,  sit  Filio,  Praise  to  the  Father,  and  the  Son, 

Tibique  sancte  Spiritus:  And  Holy  Spirit,  Three  in  One; 

Da  per  preces  Venantii  Oh!     grant     that     through     this 

Beata  nobis  gaudia.  Martyr's  prayer. 

Your    blissful    joy    we    all    may 
share. 


Author:  Unknown,  17th  cent.  Meter:  Iambic  dimeter. 
Translation  by  Father  Potter.  There  are  four  transla- 
tions. Liturgical  Use  :  Hymn  for  Vespers.  St.  Venantius 
was  martyred  at  the  age  of  fifteen,  in  the  year  250. 

1.  '^Venantius,  the  Martyr  of  God,  the  light  and  glory 
of  the  people  of  Camarino,  having  triumphed  over  torturer 
and  judge,  now  joyfully  blends  his  voice  with  the  song  of 
triumph."  Camertium,  gen.  pi.  Camertes,  ium,  the  in- 
habitants of  Camerino,  which  was  known  in  ancient  times 
as  Camers.  Abp.  Bagshawe  renders  this  line:  "Who 
Latium  light  and  glory  brings."  As  a  matter  of  fact 
Camerino  is  not  in  Latium  but  in  Umbria  some  ninety 
miles  northeast  of  Eome.  Father  Caswall's  translation  in 
his  Lyra  Catholica  is  scarcely  less  happy:  " Camertium 's 
light,  her  joy  and  prize." 

2.  "A  child  in  years,  after  chains  and  imprisonment  and 
stripes,  he  is  given  as  food  to  lions  raging  from  long 
hunger. ' ' 

3.  **But  the  ferocity  of  the  lions  spares  his  innocence, 
and  unmindful  of  their  rage  and  hunger  they  lick  the 
Martyr's  feet." 

4.  "With  head  hung  downward  he  is  forced  to  inhale 
smoke,  and  a  flaming  torch  scorches  his  ribs  and  his  flesh 
on  either  side. ' '  Viscera  is  used  to  signify  the  flesh  lying 
under  the  skin. 

5.  "Be  praise  to  the  Father,  and  the  Son,  and  to  Thee, 

251 


PROPER  OF  SAINTS 

Holy  Spirit :  grant  us  through  the  prayers  of  Venantius  the 
blessed  joys  of  heaven." 


110 


Athleta  Christi  nobilis 


NOBLE  champion  of  the  Lord  I 
Armed  against  idolatry! 
In  thy  fervent  zeal  for  God 
Death  had  naught  of  fear  for  thee. 

Bound  with  thongs,  thy  youthful 

form 
Down  the  rugged  steep  they  tear, 
Jagged  rock  and  rending  thorn 
All  thy  tender  flesh  lay  bare. 

Spent  with  toil,  the  savage  crew. 
Fainting,  sinks  with  deadly  thirst; 
Thou  the  Cross  dost  sign;  and  lo! 
From  the  rock  the  waters  burst. 

Saintly  warrior-prince!  who  thus 
Thy  tormentors  couldst  forgive; 
Pour  the  dew  of  grace  on  us. 
Bid  our  fainting  spirits  live. 

To  Thee,  0  Father,  with  the  Son 

And  Holy  Spirit,  glory  be; 

Oh,  grant  us  through  Thy  Martyr's 

prayer 
The  joys  of  immortality. 

Authoe:  Unknown,  17th  cent.  Meter:  Iambic  dimeter. 
Translation  by  Father  Caswall.  There  are  three  transla- 
tions. Liturgical  Use:  Hymn  for  Matins  on  the  Feast  of 
St.  Venantius. 

1.  ''The  noble  athlete  of  Christ  abominates  the  idols  of 
the  pagans,  and  smitten  with  the  love  of  God  he  despises 
the  dangers  that  threaten  his  life." 

2.  ** Bound  with  rough  thongs  he  is  precipitated  head- 
long from  a  cliff;  thorns  lacerate  his  countenance,  and  his 
body  is  torn  by  the  sharp  rocks." 

3.  "While  the  executioner's  attendants  drag  along  the 
limbs  of  the  Martyr,  they  become  faint  with  thirst ;  by  the 

252 


ATHLETA  Christi  nobilis 
Idola  damnat  Gentium, 
Deique  amore  saucius 
Vitae  pericla  despicit. 

*Loris  revinctus  asperis, 
E  rupe  praeceps  volvitur: 
Spineta  vultum  lancinant: 
Per  saxa  corpus  scinditur. 


^Dum  membra  raptant  Martyris, 
Languent  siti  satellites: 
Signo  crucis  Venantius 
E  rupe  fontes  elicit. 

*Bellator  o  fortissime. 
Qui  perfidis  tortoribus 
E  caute  praebes  poculum, 
Nos  rore  gratiae  irriga. 

"Sit  laus  Patri,  sit  Filio, 
Tibique  sancte  Spiritus: 


Da  per  preces  Venantii 
Beata  nobis  gaudia. 


ST.  VENANTIUS 

sign  of  the  Cross  Venantius  causes  water  to  issue  forth 
from  a  rock." 

4.  *'0  thou  most  brave  warrior  who  dost  offer  to  thy 
torturers  a  drink  brought  forth  from  a  rock,  refresh  us 
with  the  dew  of  grace. ' ' 


111 


Dum  node  pulsa  lucifer 


DUM  nocte  pulsa  lucifer 
Diem  propinquam  nuntiat, 
Nobis  refert  Venantius 
Lucis  beatse  munera. 

^Nam  criminum  caliginem, 
Stygisque  noctem  depulit, 
Veroque  cives  lumine 
Diviriitatis  imbuit. 

^Aquis  sacri  baptismatis 
Lustravit  ille  patriam: 
Quos  tinxit  unda  milites, 
In  astra  misit  Martyres. 


*Nunc  Angelorum  particeps, 
Adesto  votis  supplicum: 
Procul  repelle  crimina, 
Tuumque  lumen  ingere. 

'Sit  laus  Patri,  sit  Filio, 
Tibique  sancte  Spiritus: 
Da  per  pieces  Venantii 
Beata  nobis  gaudia. 


^pHE  golden  star  of  morn 
-■■   Is  climbing  in  the  sky; 
The  birthday  of  Venantius 
Awakes  the  Church  to  joy. 

His  native  land  in  depths 

Of  pagan  darkness  lay; 

He  o'er  her  guilty  regions  poured 

The  light  of  heavenly  day. 

Her  in  baptismal  streams 

Of  grace  he  purified; 

E'en  those  who  came  to  take  his 

life, 
With  him  as  Martyrs  died. 

With  the  Angels  now  he  shares 
Those  joys  which  never  cease; 
Look  down  on  us,  0  Spirit  blest, 
And  send  us  gifts  of  peace. 

Praise  to  the  Father,  Son, 

And,  Holy  Ghost,  to  Thee, 

Oh,  grant  us  through  Thy  Martyr's 

prayer 
A  blest  eternity. 


Author:  Unknown,  17th  cent.  Meter:  Iambic  dimeter. 
Translation  by  Father  Caswall.  There  are  three  transla- 
tions. Liturgical  Use:  Hymn  for  Lauds  on  the  Feast  of 
St.  Venantius. 

1.  ''When  (the  darkness  having  been  dispelled)  the 
morning  star  heralds  in  the  approaching  day,  Venantius 
brings  us  the  gifts  of  blessed  light."  There  is  reference 
here  to  the  ancient  custom  of  saying  Lauds  at  daybreak. 
Light  is  a  symbol  of  Christ. 

253 


PROPER  OF  SAINTS 

2.  ''For  he  drove  away  the  darkness  of  sin  and  the  night 
of  hell,  and  he  made  his  fellow  citizens  acquainted  with  the 
true  light  of  the  Godhead." 

3.  "With  the  waters  of  holy  Baptism  he  purified  his 
native  land :  the  soldiers  whom  he  baptized  with  water  he 
sent  as  martyrs  to  heaven. ' '  Tingo  3,  to  wet,  moisten ;  in 
late  Latin  used  in  the' sense  of  *'to  baptize." 

4.  ''Now  being  a  companion  of  the  Angels,  give  ear  to 
the  prayers  of  thy  suppliants;  banish  afar  what  is  sinful, 
and  pour  out  upon  us  thy  light. ' ' 


ST.  JULIANA  FALCONIERI 

June  19 


112 


Coelestis  Agni  nuptias 


CCELESTIS  Agni  nuptias, 
0  Juliana,  dum  petis, 
Domum  paternam  deseris, 
Chorumque  ducis  Virginum. 


'  Sponsumque  suffixum  Cruci 
Noctes,  diesque  dum  gemis, 
Doloris  icta  cuspide, 
Sponsi  refers  imaginem. 


'Quin  septiformi  vulnere 
Flos  ad  genu  Deiparae: 
Sed  crescit  infusa  fletu, 
Flammasque  tollit  caritas. 


*Hinc  morte  fessam  proxima 
Non  usitato  te  raodo 
Solatur,  et  nutrit  Deus, 
Dapem  supernam  porrigens. 


TO  be  the  Lamb's  celestial  bride 
Is  Juliana's  one  desire; 
For    this    she    quits    her    father's 

home, 
And  leads  the  sacred  virgin  choir. 

By  day,  by  night,  she  mourns  her 

Spouse 
Nailed  to  the  Cross,  with  ceaseless 

tears. 
Till  in  herself,  through  very  grief. 
The  image  of  that  Spouse  appears. 

Like  Him,  all  wounds,  she  kneels 

transfixed 
Before  the  Virgin-Mother's  shrine ; 
And  still  the  more  she  weeps,  the 

more 
Mounts    up    the    flame    of    love 

divine. 

That  love  so  deep  the  Lord  repaid 
His  handmaid  on  her  dying  bed; 
When,  with  the  Food  of  heavenly 

life. 
By  miracle  her  soul  He  fed. 


254 


ST.  JULIANA  FALCONIERI 

'i^^terne  rerum  Conditor,  All  praise  to  Thee,  0  Maker  blest! 

interne  Fili  par  Patri,  Praise  to  the  everlasting  Son; 

Et  par  utrique  Spiritus,  Praise  to  the  mighty  Paraclete 

Soli  tibi  sit  gloria.  While  ages  upon  ages  run. 


Author:  Francesco  Maria  Lorenzini  (1680-1743). 
Meter:  Iambic  dimeter.  Translation  by  Father  Caswall. 
There  are  four  translations.  Liturgical  Use:  Hymn  for 
Vespers  and  Matins.  St.  Juliana  was  the  foundress  of  the 
Third  Order  of  Servites.    She  died  in  the  year  1341. 

1.  ''When  thou,  0  Juliana,  didst  seek  the  nuptials  of  the 
Heavenly  Lamb,  thou  didst  abandon  thy  father's  house  and 
lead  a  choir  of  virgins."  For  an  explanation  of  the  term 
''Nuptials  of  the  Heavenly  Lamb,"  see  the  article  on 
Marriage,  Mystical,  in  the  Cath.  Encycl. 

2.  "By  day  and  night  thou  didst  bewail  thy  Spouse 
fastened  to  the  Cross,  till  pierced  with  a  sword  of  sorrow 
thou  didst  bear  the  image  of  thy  Spouse."  Cuspide,  a 
sharp  point. 

3.  ' '  Yea,  with  a  sevenfold  wound  thou  didst  weep  at  the 
feet  of  the  Mother  of  God,  but  by  thy  tears,  the  charity  in- 
fused increased  and  rendered  more  keen  the  poignancy 
(flammas)  of  thy  grief."  Septiformi  vulnere:  The  seven 
Sorrows  of  our  Blessed  Mother.  Flammas,  sc.  doloris. 
Tears  of  sorrow  increase  the  love  of  God  in  our  hearts  and 
thereby  render  the  greatest  sorrows  more  endurable. 

4.  "Hence  it  was  that  exhausted  by  the  approach  of 
death,  in  no  ordinary  manner  did  God  console  and  nourish 
thee,  spreading  out  before  thee  Heavenly  Food."  There 
is  reference  in  this  stanza  to  a  miraculous  image  found  on 
the  Saint's  breast  after  her  death.  "Being  unable  to  re- 
ceive Holy  Communion  because  of  constant  vomiting,  she 
requested  the  priest  to  spread  a  corporal  on  her  breast  and 
lay  the  Host  on  it.  Shortly  afterwards  the  Host  disap- 
peared and  Juliana  expired,  and  the  image  of  a  cross, 
such  as  had  been  on  the  Host,  was  found  on  her  breast" 
{Cath.  Encycl.). 

5.  "Eternal  Creator  of  the  world.  Eternal  Son  equal  to 
the  Father,  and  Spirit  equal  to  both:  to  Thee  alone 
(0  Trinity)  be  glory." 

255 


PROPER  OF  SAINTS 
THE  NATIVITY  OF  ST.  JOHN  THE  BAPTIST 

June  24 
113  Ut  queant  laxis 


UT  queant  laxis  resonare  fibris 
Mixsi      gestorum      /amuli 
tuorum, 
5o/ve  polluti  Zabii  reatum, 
Sancte  Joannes. 


'Nuntius  celso  veniens  olympo, 
Te   patri  magnum   fore  nascitu- 

rum, 
Nomen,  at  vitae  seriem  gerendae 
Ordine  promit. 


'Ille  promissi  dubius  superni, 
Perdidit    promptae    modules    lo- 

quelae : 
Sed  reformasti  genitus  peremptae 
Organa  vocis. 


*Ventris  obstruso  recubans  cubili, 
Senseras  Regem  thalamo  manen- 

tem: 
Hinc  parens,  nati  meritis,  uterque 
Abdita  pandit. 


'Sit  decus  Patri,  genitaeque  Proli, 

Et  tibi  compar  utriusque  virtus, 

Spiritus  semper,  Deus  unus,  omni 

Temporis  aevo. 


OFOR  thy  spirit,  holy  John,  to 
chasten 
Lips  sin-polluted,  fettered  tongues 

to  loosen; 
So  by  thy  children  might  thy  deeds 
of  wonder 
Meetly  be  chanted. 

Lo!  a  swift  herald,  from  the  skies 

descending, 
Bears  to  thy  father  promise  of  thy 

greatness ; 
How  he  shall  name  thee,  what  thy 

future  story, 
Duly  revealing. 

Scarcely     believing     message     so 

transcendent. 
Him  for  season  power  of  speech 

forsaketh. 
Till,  at  thy  wondrous  birth,  again 

returneth 
Voice  to  the  voiceless. 

Thou,  in  thy  mother's  womb  all 

darkly  cradled, 
Knewest  thy  Monarch,  biding  in 

His  chamber, 
Wlience  the  two  parents,  through 

their  children's  merits, 
Mysteries  uttered. 

Praise  to  the  Father,  to  the  Son 

begotten. 
And   to  the   Spirit,   equal   power 

possessing, 
One  God  whose  glory,  through  the 

lapse  of  ages, 
Ever  resoundeth. 


Author:  Paul  the  Deacon  (720-799), 

256 


Meter:  Sapphic 


NATIVITY  OF  ST.  JOHN  THE  BAPTIST 

and  Adonic.  Translation,  a  cento  from  The  Hymner, 
based  on  a  translation  by  W.  J.  Blew,  in  the  meter  of  the 
original.  There  are  about  twenty  translations  of  this 
beautiful  hymn.  Liturgical  Use:  Hymn  for  Vespers. 
The  hymns  given  below  for  Matins  and  Lauds  are  parts 
of  this  hymn.  The  translations  are  in  blank  verse.  In 
reading  care  should  be  taken  to  observe  the  caesura  which 
in  Sapphic  verse  occurs  generally  after  the  fifth  syllable. 
There  is  an  article  on  this  hymn  in  the  Cath.  Encycl.,  and 
another  on  Paulus  Diaconus  its  author, 

1.  '^That  thy  servants  may  be  able  to  sing  thy  deeds  of 
wonder  with  pleasant  voices,  remove,  0  holy  John,  the 
guilt  of  our  sin-polluted  lips."  Laxis  fibris  is  intended 
to  express  a  good  condition  of  the  voice,  freedom  from 
hoarseness,  etc.,  ''with  vocal  cords  well  strung."  St.  John 
is  invoked  for  ailments  of  the  throat,  and  he  is  even  con- 
sidered a  special  patron  of  singers.  The  Saint's  miraculous 
birth  is  recorded  in  detail  in  Luke  1.  The  whole  chapter 
should  be  read.  Zachary,  the  father  of  the  Precursor,  lost 
his  voice  on  account  of  his  disbelief  in  the  Angel's  promise 
(Luke  1,  19),  and  again  ''his  tongue  was  loosed"  {laxis 
fibris)  at  the  naming  of  John  (Luke  1,  64).  This  stanza  is 
of  special  interest  to  musicians  as  the  syllables  marked  in 
italics  were  those  chosen  by  Guido  of  Arezzo  (990-1050) 
for  the  syllabic  naming  of  the  notes  Ut,  Re,  Mi,  Pa,  Sol, 
La.  The  famuli  mentioned  in  this  stanza  are  the  choir  who 
(as  Zachary  recovered  his  voice  at  the  naming  of  John) 
would  implore  their  patron  to  endow  them  with  voices 
worthy  of  singing  the  praises  of  one  so  illustrious. 

2.  "A  messenger  from  highest  heaven  discloses  in  due 
order  to  thy  father  that  thou  wouldst  be  born  great,  thy 
name,  and  the  whole  course  of  the  life  thou  wouldst  lead. ' ' 
Nuntius,  the  Archangel  Gabriel  (Luke  1,  19).  Nomen, 
John  (Luke  1,  13).  Seriem  vitce  gerendcB  (cf.  Luke  1,  15- 
17). 

3.  "He  (Zachary)  doubtful  of  the  heavenly  promise  lost 
the  power  of  ready  speech;  but  when  born,  thou  didst 
restore  the  organs  of  the  lost  voice."  The  disbelief  of 
Zachary  is  recorded  in  Luke  1,  18 ;  the  penalty  in  verse  20 ; 
the  restoration  of  the  power  of  speech  in  verse  64. 

257 


PROPER  OF  SAINTS 

4.  "Still  resting  in  the  concealed  abode  of  the  womb, 
thou  didst  perceive  thy  King  reposing  in  His  chamber: 
thereupon  both  parents  by  the  merits  of  their  son  revealed 
hidden  things."  The  last  two  lines  of  this  stanza  are 
obscure.  In  the  translation  given  above  the  two  parents 
are  Zachary  and  Elisabeth ;  and  the  mysteries  they  uttered 
are  Elisabeth's  "Blessed  art  thou  among  women,"  etc. 
(Luke  1,  42-45),  and  Zachary 's  "Blessed  be  the  Lord  God 
of  Israel,"  etc.  (Luke  68-79).  However,  there  is  no  lack  of 
translators  who  ignore  the  masculine  uterque  and  the 
singular  nati  and  translate  quite  as  literally  as  Archbishop 
Bagshawe : 

"The  two  Mothers  then,  on  account  of  their  Babes, 
Things  hidden  unfold." 

In  this  interpretation  the  two  parents  are  Mary  and 
Elisabeth,  and  the  whole  stanza  gives  us  a  picture  of  the 
Visitation.  The  "hidden  things"  uttered  by  Elisabeth  are 
the  same  as  those  mentioned  above  (Luke  1,  42-45),  and 
Our  Lady  replies  in  her  incomparable  Magnificat  (Luke  1, 
46-55).    This  is  the  better  interpretation. 

5.  "Glory  be  to  the  Father,  and  to-  the  only-begotten 
Son,  and  to  Thee,  0  Spirit,  power  eternally  equal  to  Them 
both,  one  God,  forever  and  ever. ' ' 

114  Antra  deserti 

ANTRA    deserti,    teneris    sub     rpHOU,  in  thy  childhood,  to  the 
annis,  -■•        desert  caverns 

Civium,  turmas  fugiens,  petisti,       Fleddest  for  refuge  from  the  cities' 
Ne  levi  posses  maculare  vitam  turmoil, 

Crimine  linguae.  Where  the  world's  slander  might 

not  dim  thy  luster, 
Lonely  abiding. 

^Praebuit  durum  tegumen  camelus  CameFs  hair  raiment  clothed  thy 
Artubus    sacris,    strophium    hi-  saintly  members; 

dentes;  Leathern    the    girdle    which    thy 
Cui      latex      haustum,      sociata  loins  encircled; 

pastiun  Locusts     and     honey,     with     the 
Mella  locustis.  fountain-water, 

Daily  sustained  thee. 

268 


NATIVITY  OF  ST.  JOHN  THE  BAPTIST 


^  Caeteri  tantum  cecinere  Vatum 
Corde  praesago  jubar  afFuturum: 
Tu  quidem  mundi  scelus  aufer- 
entem 

Indice  prodis. 


Oft  in  past  ages,  seers  with  hearts 

expectant 
Sang  the  far-distant  advent  of  the 

Day-Star ; 
Thine  was  the  glory,  as  the  world's 

Redeemer 
First  to  proclaim  Him. 


*Non  fuit  vasti  spatium  per  orbis     Far  as  the  wide  world  reacheth, 
Sanctior      quisquam      genitus  born  of  woman, 

Joanne,  Holier  was  there  none  than  John 

Qui  nefas  saecli  meruit  lavantem  the  Baptist; 

Tingere  lymphis.  Meetly  in  water  laving  Him  who 

cleanseth 
Man  from  pollution. 

"  Sit  decus  Patri,  genitaeque  Proli,     Praise  to  the  Father,  to  the  Son 
Et  tibi,  compar  utriusque  virtus  begotten, 

Spiritus  semper,  Deus  unus,  omni     And  to   the    Spirit,   equal   power 
Temporis  sevo.  possessing, 

One  God  whose  glory,  through  the 
lapse  of  ages, 
Ever  resoundeth. 


This  is  a  continuation  of  the  preceding  hymn.  Transla- 
tion by  M.  J.  Blacker  and  G.  H.  Palmer.  Liturgical  Use: 
Matins  hymn. 

1.  "From  thy  tenderest  years,  fleeing  the  throngs  of 
men,  thou  didst  seek  the  caves  of  the  desert,  lest  thou  stain 
thy  life  by  the  slightest  sin  of  the  tongue."  (Cf.  Luke  1, 
80.) 

2.  ''The  camel  furnished  the  rough  covering  for  thy 
sacred  members ;  thy  girdle,  the  sheep  provided ;  the  foun- 
tain furnished  thy  drink,  and  honey  together  with  locusts 
thy  food."  Prcehuit,  this  is  the  predicate  of  the  whole 
stanza.    Compare  this  stanza  with  Matt.  3,  4. 

3.  ''The  rest  of  the  Prophets  only  foretold  with 
prophetic  spirit  the  Light  that  was  to  come :  but  thou  with 
thy  finger  didst  point  out  Him  who  taketh  away  the  sins  of 
the  world."  Indice  prodis:  Ecce  agnus  Dei,  ecce  qui  tollit 
peccatum  mundi  (John  1,  29). 

4.  "Throughout  the  space  of  the  wide  world  there  was 
no  one  born  who  was  more  holy  than  John,  who  was  deemed 

259 


PROPER  OF  SAINTS 

worthy  to  baptize  with  water  Him  who  washeth  away  the 
sins  of  the  world."    (Cf.  Matt.  11, 11.) 

115  O  nimis  felix 

ONIMIS  felix,  meritique  celsi,  i~\    MORE   than   blessed,   merit 

Nesciens    labem    nivei    pu-  ^-^       high  attaining, 

doris,  Pure  as  the  snow-drift,  innocent 
Praepotens  Martyr,  nemorumque  of  evil, 

cuhor,  Child  of  the  desert,  mightiest  of 
Maxima  Vatum.  Martyrs, 

Greatest  of  Prophets. 

^  Serta  ter  denis  alios  coronant         Thirtyfold    increase     some     with 
Aucta  crementis,  duplicata  quos-  glory  crowneth; 

dam;  Sixtyfold  fruitage  prize  for  others 

Trina  te  fructu  cumulata  centum  winneth; 

Nexibus  ornant.  Hundredfold   measure,   thrice   re- 

peated, decks  thee, 
Blest  one,  for  guerdon. 

'Nimc  potens  nostri  meritis  opi-     O  may  the  virtue  of  thine  inter- 
mis  cession, 
Pectoris  duros  lapides  revelle.         All     stony    hardness     from     our 
Asperum  planans  iter,  et  reflexos  hearts  expelling, 

Dirige  calles.  Smooth  the  rough  places,  and  the 

crooked  straighten 
Here  in  the  desert. 

*  Ut  pius  mundi  Sator  et  Redemp-     Thus  may  our  gracious  Maker  and 
tor.  Redeemer, 

Mentibus  culpae  sine  labe  puris.     Seeking  a  station  for  His  hallowed 
Rite  dignetur  veniens  beatos  footsteps, 

Ponere  gressus.  Find,   when   He   cometh,  temples 

undefiled, 
Meet  to  receive  Him. 

'Laudibus  cives  celebrent  superni  Now  as  the  Angels  celebrate  Thy 
Te     Deus     simplex,     pariterque  praises, 

trine,  Godhead     essential.     Trinity     co- 
Supplices    et    nos    veniam    pre-  equal; 

camur:  Spare  Thy  redeemed  ones,  as  they 
Parce  redemptis.  bow  before  Thee, 

Pardon  imploring. 

This  is   a  continuation  of  the   two   preceding  hymns. 

260 


NATIVITY  OF  ST.  JOHN  THE  BAPTIST 

Translation  by  M.  J.  Blacker  and  G.  H.  Palmer.    Liturgi- 
cal Use  :  Hymn  for  Lauds. 

1.  ''0  thrice  happy  thou,  and  of  exalted  merit,  knowing 
no  stain  upon  thy  snow-white  purity;  thou  mightiest  of 
martyrs,  friend  of  solitude,  greatest  of  prophets." 
Nemorum,  nemus,  a  grove,  forest,  a  place  of  solitude :  some 
texts  have  eremi;  eremus,  desert,  wilderness,  solitude. 

2.  **  Crowns  enriched  with  thrice  tenfold  increase  adorn 
some;  others  a  double  cro\\Ti  adorns;  but  a  triple  crown 
with  fruitage  heaped  up  with  a  hundred  twinings  adorns 
thee."  Constr. :  Serta  (crowns,  garlands)  aucta  ter  denis 
crementis  (increase,  fruit)  coronat  alios,  quosdam  dupli- 
cata  serta  coronant ;  te  ornant  trina  f ructu  cumulata  serta 
centum  nexibus.  The  stanza  plainly  refers  to  the  Parable 
of  the  Sower,  some  of  whose  seed  falling  on  good  ground 
"brought  forth  fruit,  some  an  hundredfold,  some  sixtyfold, 
and  some  thirtyfold"  (Matt.  13,  8).  Our  Lord  Himself 
explains  the  meaning  of  this  parable  (Matt.  13,  18-23). 
The  triple  crown  ascribed  to  St.  John  is  probably  that 
referred  to  in  the  preceding  stanza,  viz.,  that  of  martyr, 
hermit,  and  prophet.    Note  the  following: 

Some  crowns  with  glory  thirty  fold  are  shining: 
Others,  a  double  flower  and  fruit  combining: 
Thy  trinal  chaplet  bears  an  intertwining 
Hundredfold  fruitage. 

— H.  T.  Henry. 

3.  "Now  rendered  powerful  by  thy  rich  merits,  pluck 
out  the  stony  hardness  of  our  hearts,  make  plain  the  rough 
way,  and  make  straight  the  crooked  paths."  (Cf.  Luke 
3,4-5.) 

4.  "So  that  the  loving  Creator  and  Redeemer  of  the 
world,  coming,  may  becomingly  condescend  to  direct  His 
blessed  footsteps  into  our  hearts  free  from  all  stain  of 
sin." 

5.  "With  songs  of  praise  let  the  heavenly  citizens  extol 
Thee,  God,  One  and  Three;  suppliantly  we  pray  for 
pardon:  spare  Thy  redeemed  ones." 

261 


116 


PROPER  OF  SAINTS 
SS.  PETER  AND  PAUL 

June  29 
Decora  lux 


THE  beauteous   light  of  God's 
eternal  Majesty 
Streams  down  in  golden  rays  to 

grace  this  holy  day 
Which  crowned  the  princes  of  the 

Apostles'  glorious  choir, 
And  unto  guilty  mortals  showed 
the  heavenward  way. 

The    teacher    of    the    world    and 

keeper  of  heaven's  gate, 
Rome's  founders  twain  and  rulers 

too  of  every  land, 
Triumphant  over  death  by  sword 

and  shameful  cross, 
With  laurel  crowned  are  gathered 

to  the  eternal  band. 

0  happy  Rome !  who  in  thy  martyr 

princes'  blood, 
A  twofold  stream,  art  washed  and 

doubly  sanctified. 
All  earthly  beauty  thou  alone  out- 

shinest  far, 
Empurpled    by    their    outpoured 

life-blood's  glorious  tide. 

All  honor,  power,  and  everlasting 
jubilee 

To  Him  who  all  things  made  and 
governs  here  below, 

To  God  in  essence  One,  and  yet 
in  persons  Three, 

Both  now  and  ever,  while  unend- 
ing ages  flow. 


Author:  Ascribed  to  Elpis,  the  wife  of  the  philosopher 
Boethius.  She  died  about  493.  Meter:  Iambic  trimeter. 
Translation  by  Msgr.  Canon  L.  Hall.  First  line  of 
Original  Text :  Aurea  luce  et  decore  roseo.   The  hymn  was 

262 


DECQRA   lux  aeternitatis,   au- 
ream 
Diem  beatis  irrigavit  ignibus, 
Apostolorum  quae  coronat  Prin- 

cipes, 
Reisque  in  astra  liberam  pandit 
viam. 


*Mundi  Magister,  atque  cceli 
Janitor, 

Romae  parentes,  arbitrique  Gen- 
tium, 

Per  ensis  ille,  hie  per  crucis 
victor  necem 

Vitae  senatum  laureati  possident. 


0    Roma     felix,     quae    duormn 

Principum 
Es  consecrata  glorioso  sanguine: 
Horimi  cruore  purpurata  ceteras 
Excellis  orbis  una  pulchritudines. 


*Sit  Trinitati  sempiterna  gloria. 
Honor,  potestas,  atque  jubilatio. 
In  unitate,  quae  gubernat  omnia. 
Per  universa  saeculorum  ssecula. 


SS.  PETER  AND  PAUL 

considerably  altered  by  the  revisers  under  Pope  Urban 
VIII,  in  1632.  Including  both  texts  there  are  at  least 
twelve  translations.  The  complete  hymn  consists  of  six 
stanzas,  including  the  doxology.  The  order  of  the  stanzas 
in  the  complete  hymn  is  as  follows:  Decora  lux;  Mundi 
magister;  Beate  Pastor  Petre;  Egregie  Doctor  Paule;  0 
Roma  felix;  Sit  Trinitati.  Note  the  use  made  of  parts  of 
this  hymn  on  the  Feasts  of  St.  Peter's  Chair  (hymn  90), 
and  of  the  Conversion  of  St.  Paul  (hymn  91). 

1.  ''The  beauteous  Light  of  Eternity  hatli  flooded  with 
blissful  fires  this  golden  day  which  crowns  the  Princes  of 
the  Apostles,  and  opens  unto  the  guilty  a  free  way  to 
heaven. ' '  God  is  ' '  the  beauteous  Light  of  Eternity. '  *  The 
''blessed  fires"  are  His  graces  and  blessings.  The 
"golden  day"  is  the  festival  of  the  two  Apostles. 

2.  "The  teacher  of  the  world,  and  the  door-keeper  of 
heaven,  fathers  of  Rome,  and  judges  of  the  nations,  the 
one  triumphant  over  death  by  the  sword,  the  other  by  the 
Cross;  now  laurel-crowned  they  sit  in  the  assembly  of 
eternal  life."  Mundi  Magister,  St.  Paul  (Cf.  Rom.  11,  13) ; 
Cceli  Janitor,  St.  Peter  (Cf.  Matt.  16,  19).  Arhitri,  judges 
(Cf.  Matt.  19,  28).  Constr. :  Ille  (Paulus)  victor  per  necem 
ensis,  hie  (Petrus)  per  necem  crucis  possident  laureati 
senatum  vitae. 

3.  "  0  happy  Rome,  who  art  consecrated  by  the  glorious 
blood  of  two  Princes ;  empurpled  by  the  blood  of  these,  thou 
alone  dost  surpass  all  other  beauties  of  the  world." 

4.  "To  the  Trinity  in  Unity  that  doth  govern  all 
throughout  eternity,  be  endless  glory,  honor,  power,  and 
jubilation." 

117  Beate  Pastor  Petre 

TIEATE  Pastor  Petre,  clemens  T>ETER,  blest  Shepherd,  hearken 

•■-'     accipe  -■-         to  our  cry, 

Voces    precantum,    cruninumque  And    with    a    word    unloose    our 

vincula  guilty  chain; 

Verbo     resolve,      cui      potestas  Thou!  who  hast  power  to  ope  the 

tradita,  gates  on  high 

Aperire   terris    coelum,    apertum  To  men  below,  and  power  to  shut 

claudere.  them  fast  again. 

263 


PROPER  OF  SAINTS 

^Egregie     Doctor     Paule,  mores     Lead   us,   great  teacher  Paul,   in 

instrue,  wisdom's  ways, 
Et     nostra     tecum     pectora     in     And  lift  our  hearts  with  thine  to 

coelum  trahe:  heaven's  high  throne; 

Velata     dum     meridiem  cernat     Till     faith     beholds     the     clear 

fides,  meridian  blaze; 

Et     solis     instar     sola  regnet     And    sunlike    in    the   soul   reigns 

caritas.  charity  alone. 

^Sit   Trinitati   sempiterna    gloria,     Praise,  blessing,  majesty,  through 
Honor,  potestas,  atque  jubilatio,  endless  days, 

In  unitate,  quae  gubernat  omnia.     Be  to  the  Trinity  immortal  given; 
Per  universa  seternitatis  saecula.     Who    in    pure    unity    profoundly 

sways 
Eternally  alike  all  things  in  earth 
and  heaven. 


This  is  a  continuation  of  the  preceding  hymn.  Transla- 
tion by  Father  Caswell.  Liturgical  Use:  Hymn  for 
Lauds  on  the  Feast  of  SS.  Peter  and  Paul.  See  Hymns  90 
and  91. 

1.  ''0  blessed  shepherd  Peter,  thou  to  whom  was  given 
the  power  to  open  heaven,  and,  opened,  to  close  it,  merci- 
fully receive  the  prayers  of  thy  suppliants,  and  by  thy 
word  unloose  the  chains  of  their  sins."  Precantum  for 
precantium.  This  stanza  is  a  metrical  rendering  of  Matt. 
16,  19 :  Et  tibi  dabo  claves  regni  ccelorum.  Et  quodcumque 
ligaveris  super  terram,  erit  ligatum  et  in  coelis :  et  quod- 
cumque solveris  super  terram,  erit  solutum  et  in  coelis. 

2.  *' Illustrious  teacher  Paul,  mould  thou  our  lives,  and 
draw  with  thee  to  heaven  our  hearts,  till  faith  now  veiled 
beholds  the  bright  noonday,  and,  like  the  sun,  charity  alone 
doth  reign."  St.  Paul  was  taken  up  ''even  to  the  third 
heaven,"  i.e.,  to  the  abode  of  the  Angels  and  Saints  (Cf. 
II  Cor.  12,  1-4).  The  same  illustrious  Doctor  teaches  us 
that — *'We  see  now  through  a  glass  in  a  dark  manner" 
(i.e.,  by  faith) :  "but  then  face  to  face"  (I  Cor.  13,  12). 
And  again,  that  charity  remains  forever — ''never  falleth 
away"  (I  Cor.  13,  8)  though  in  the  next  world  faith  shall 
pass  into  vision,  and  hope  into  the  enjoyment  of  God. 


264 


THE  MOST  PRECIOUS  BLOOD  OF  OUR 
LORD  JESUS  CHRIST 

July  1 
118  Festivis  resonent 


T^ESTIVIS     resonent     compita 

•■-        vocibus, 

Gives      laetitiam     frontibus     ex- 

plicent, 
Taedis    flammiferis    ordine    pro- 

deant 
Instruct!  pueri  et  senes. 

^Quem  dura  moriens  Christus  in 

arbore 
Fudit    multiplici     vulnere     San- 

guinem, 
Nos  facti  memores  dum  colimus, 

decet 
Saltern  fundere  lacrymas. 


^Humano  generi  pernicies  gravis 
Adami  veteris  criraine   contigit: 
Adami  integritas  et  pietas  novi 
Vitam  reddidit  omnibus. 


^Clamorem   validum   summus   ab 

aethere 
Languentis      Geniti      si      Pater 

audiit, 
Placari  potius  sanguine  debuit, 
Et  nobis  veniam  dare. 


*Hoc  quicumque  stolam  sanguine 

proluit, 
Abstergit    maculas,     et    roseum 

decus, 
Quo  fiat  similis  protinus  Angelis: 
Et  Regi  placeat,  capit. 


265 


WITH  glad  and  joyous  strains 
now  let  each  street  resound, 
And    let   the    laurel    wreath   each 

Christian  brow  entwine; 
With   torches    waving    bright,    let 

old  and  young  go  forth. 
And  swell  the  train  in  solemn  line. 

Whilst  we  with  bitter  tears,  with 

sighs   and   grief   profound, 
Wail  o'er  the  saving  Blood,  poured 

forth  upon  the  Tree, 
Oh,  deeply  let  us  muse,  and  count 

the  heavy  price. 
Which  Christ  hath  paid  to  make 

us  free. 

The  primal  man  of  old,  who  fell 

by  serpent's  guile. 
Brought    death    and    many    woes 

upon  his  fallen  race; 
But  our  New  Adam,  Christ,  new 

life  unto  us  gave. 
And  brought  to   all  ne'er-ending 

grace. 

To  heaven's  highest  height,  the 
wailing  cry  went  up 

Of  Him,  who  hung  in  pain,  God's 
own  eternal  Son; 

His  saving,  priceless  Blood,  His 
Father's  wrath  appeased. 

And  for  His  sons  full  pardon  won. 

Whoe'er  in  that  pure   Blood  his 

guilty  soul  shall  wash, 
Shall  from  his  stains  be  freed — 

be  made  as  roses  bright — 
Shall  vie  with  Angels  pure,  shall 

please  his  King  and  Lord, 
And   precious  shine   in   His  glad 

sight. 


PROPER  OF  SAINTS 

®A  recto   instabilis  tramite  post-  Oh,  from  the  path  of  right  ne'er 

modura  let  thy  steps  depart, 

Se    nullus    retrahat,    meta    sed  But    haste    thee    to    the    goal    in 

ultima  virtue's  peaceful  ways; 

Tangatur:    tribuet    nobile    prae-  Thy  God  who  reigns  on  high  will 

mium,  e'er  direct  thy  steps, 

Qui  cursum  Deus  adjuvat.  And  crown  thy  deeds  with  blissful 

days. 

^  Nobis     propitius     sis,     Genitor  Father  of  all  things  made,  to  us 
potens,  propitious  be, 

Ut  quos  unigenae  Sanguine  Filii  For  whom  Thy  own  dear  Son,  His 
Emisti,    et   placido   Flamine    re-  saving  Blood  did  spill; 

creas,  O  Holy  Spirit,  grant  the  souls  by 
Cceli  ad  culmina  transferas.  Thee  refreshed 

Eternal  bliss  may  ever  fill. 

Author:  Unknown,  17th  cent.  Meter:  Asclepiadic  and 
Glyconic.  Translation  by  Father  Potter.  There  are  five 
translations.  Liturgical  Use:  Hymn  for  Vespers.  Read 
the  article  on  Precious  Blood,  in  the  Cath.  Encycl. 

1.  "Let  the  streets  re-echo  with  festive  song,  let  the 
people  manifest  joy  in  their  countenances,  let  young  and 
old  arrayed  in  due  order  proceed  with  flaming  torches." 
Compitmn  (mostly  pi.)  crossroads;  here,  streets,  ways. 

2.  ''While  mindful  of  the  fact  we  worship  the  Blood 
which,  from  many  a  wound,  the  dying  Christ  shed  upon  the 
cruel  Tree,  it  behooves  us  to  shed  at  least  tears."  Facti, 
fact,  deed,  viz.,  the  suffering  and  death  of  Christ. 

3.  ''Grave  loss  befell  the  human  race  by  the  sin  of  the 
old  Adam.  The  sinlessness  and  love  of  the  new  Adam  have 
restored  life  to  all."  St.  Paul  draws  a  parallel  between 
Christ  and  Adam  (cf.  Rom.  5,  12-21). 

4.  "If  the  Father  heard  from  heaven  the  loud  cry  of 
His  expiring  Son ;  far  more  ought  He  be  appeased  by  His 
Blood,  and  grant  us  pardon. ' ' 

5.  "Whoever  washeth  his  robe  in  this  Blood,  washeth 
away  its  stains  and  gaineth  a  roseate  beauty  whereby  he 
forthwith  becometh  like  unto  the  Angels,  and  pleasing  to 
the  King."  He  who  cleanses  his  soul  by  Baptism  and 
Penance,  which  derive  their  efficacy  from  Christ's  atone- 
ment, shall  obtain  the  gift  of  sanctifying  grace  {roseum 
decus)  which  makes  him  pleasing  to  God. 

266 


THE  MOST  PRECIOUS  BLOOD 

6.  **  Henceforth  let  no  unstable  one  withdraw  himself 
from  the  straight  path,  but  let  the  final  goal  be  touched. 
God  who  aideth  us  on  the  way  bestoweth  a  noble  prize. ' ' 

7.  "Almighty  Father,  be  Thou  propitious  to  us,  so  that 
those  whom  Thou  didst  purchase  by  the  Blood  of  Thine 
only-begotten  Son,  and  whom  Thou  dost  re-create  in  the 
Holy  Spirit,  those  same  mayest  Thou  one  day  transfer  to 
the  heights  of  heaven."  Unigena,  (B,  adj.  =  unigenitus, 
only,  only-begotten;  it  here  modifies  Filii.  Placido,  calm, 
gentle,  peaceful. 


119 


Ira  justa  Conditoris 


IRA  justa  Conditoris 
Imbre  aquarum  vindice 
Criminosum  raersit  orbem, 
Noe  in  area  sospite: 
Mira  tandem  vis  amoris 
Lavit  orbem  Sanguine. 


^Tam  salubri  terra  felix 
Irrigata  pluvia, 
Ante  spinis  quae  scatebat, 
Germinavit  flosculos: 
Inque  nectaris  saporem 
Transiere  absynthia. 


^Triste  protinus  venenum 
Dims  anguis  posuit, 
Et  cruenta  belluarum 
Desiit  ferocia: 
Mitis  Agni  vulnerati 
Haec  fuit  victoria. 


*0  scientiae  supernse 
Altitude  impervia! 
0  suavitas  benigni 
Praedicanda  pectoris! 
Servus  erat  morte  dignus, 
Rex  luit  pcenam  optimus. 


righteous 


HE    who    once,    in 
vengeance, 
Whelmed  the  world  beneath  the 

Flood, 
Once  again  in  mercy  cleansed  it 
With  the  stream  of  His  own  Blood, 
Coming  from  His  throne  on  high 
On  the  painful  Cross  to  die. 

Blest  with  this  all-saving  shower. 
Earth     her     beauty    straight     re- 
sumed ; 
In  the  place  of  thorns  and  briars, 
Myrtles       sprang,       and       roses 

bloomed : 
Bitter  wormwood  of  the  waste 
Into  honey  changed  its  taste. 

Scorpions  ceased;  the  slimy  ser- 
pent 
Laid  his  deadly  poison  by; 
Savage  beasts  of  cruel  instinct 
Lost  their  wild  ferocity; 
Welcoming  the  gentle  reign 
Of  the  Lamb  for  sinners  slain. 

Oh,  the  wisdom  of  th'  eternal! 
Oh,  its  depth  and  height  divine! 
Oh,  the  sweetness  of  that  mercy 
Which  in  Jesus  Christ  doth  shine! 
Slaves  we  were  condemned  to  die! 
Our  King  pays  the  penalty! 


267 


PROPER  OF  SAINTS 


'Quando  culpis  provocamus 
Ultionem  Judicis, 
Tunc  loquentis  protegamur 
Sanguinis  praesentia: 
Ingruentium  malorum 
Tunc  recedant  agmina. 


'Te  redemptus  laudet  orbis 
Grata  servans  munera, 
0  salutis   sempiternae 
Dux  et  auctor  inclyte, 
Qui  tenes  beata  regna 
Cum  Parente  et  Spiritu. 


When     before     the     Judge     we 

tremble, 
Conscious  of  His  broken  laws, 
May    this    Blood,    in    that    dread 

hour, 
Cry  aloud,  and  plead  our  cause; 
Bid  our  guilty  terrors  cease. 
Be  our  pardon  and  our  peace. 

Prince  and  Author  of  Salvation! 
Lord  of  majesty  supreme! 
Jesu,  praise  to  Thee  be  given 
By  the  world  Thou  didst  redeem; 
Who    with    the    Father    and    the 

Spirit, 
Reignest  in  eternal  merit. 


Author  :  Unknown,  17th  cent.  Meter  :  Trochaic  tetram- 
eter: the  lines  are  here  divided  at  the  caesura.  Transla- 
tion by  Father  Caswall.  There  are  four  translations. 
Liturgical  Use:  Hymn  for  Matins  on  the  Feast  of  the 
Most  Precious  Blood. 

1.  **The  just  wrath  of  the  Creator  did  once  submerge 
the  sinful  world  beneath  an  avenging  rain  of  waters,  Noe 
being  safe  in  the  Ark;  finally,  however,  the  wondrous 
power  of  love  purified  the  world  with  Blood."  Note  the 
two  abl.  absol.  constructions  in  lines  2  and  4:  '*A  flood  of 
water  being  the  avenger"  .  .  .  *'Noe  the  while  being 
safe  in  the  ark. ' ' 

2.  *' Watered  by  such  salubrious  rain,  the  happy  earth 
which  formerly  abounded  with  thorns,  now  buds  forth 
flowers;  and  (the  bitterness  of)  wormwood  hath  been 
changed  into  the  sweetness  of  nectar."  Ahsyntliium, 
absinth,  bitter  herbs.  Inque:  Constr. :  Et  absynthia  tran- 
sierunt  in  saporem  nectaris.  When  Adam  fell,  God  cursed 
the  earth  and  henceforth  it  was  to  bring  forth  thorns  and 
thistles  (cf.  Gen.  3,  17-19). 

3.  *' Forthwith  the  dire  serpent  laid  aside  his  baneful 
poison,  and  the  bloodthirsty  ferocity  of  the  brute  creation 
subsided:  such  was  the  victory  of  the  gentle  wounded 
Lamb. ' '    Anguis,  the  devil. 

4.  **0  the  inscrutable  depth  of  heavenly  wisdom!    0  the 

268 


THE  MOST  PRECIOUS  BLOOD 

ineffable  sweetness  of  that  loving  Heart!  A  slave  was 
worthy  of  death,  a  King  of  infinite  goodness  suffered  the 
punishment!"  Scientice:  0  altitudo  divitiarum  sapientiaB 
et  scientiae  Dei :  quam  incomprehensibilia  sunt  judicia  ejus, 
et  investigabiles  viae  ejus  (Rom.  11,  33). 

5.  **When  by  our  sins  we  provoke  the  vengeance  of  the 
Judge,  may  we  then  be  protected  by  the  presence  of  this 
eloquent  Blood:  then  may  the  hosts  of  threatening  evils 
depart."    Loquentis,  pleading. 

6.  **0  Thou  who  art  the  Prince  and  august  source  of 
eternal  salvation,  and  who  dost  possess  the  blessed  king- 
dom with  the  Father  and  the  Holy  Spirit,  may  the  ran- 
somed world  praise  Thee,  preserving  Thy  acceptable 
gifts." 


120 


Salvete  Christi  vulnera 


SALVETE  Christi  vulnera, 
Immensi  amoris  pignora, 
Quibus  perennes  rivuli 
Manant  rubentis  Sanguinis. 


'Nitore  Stellas  vincitis, 
Rosas  odore  et  balsama, 
Pretio  lapillos  indices, 
Mellis  favos  dulcedine. 


'Per  vos  patet  gratissimum 
Nostris  asylum  mentibus, 
Non  hue  furor  minantium 
Unquam  penetrat  hostium. 


Quot  Jesus  in  Pretorio 
Flagella  nudus  excipit! 


HAIL,  holy  Wounds  of  Jesus, 
hail, 
Sweet  pledges  of  the  saving  Rood, 
Whence  flow  the  streams  that  never 

fail. 
The  purple  streams  of  His  dear 
Blood. 

Brighter  than  brightest  stars  ye 
show. 

Than  sweetest  rose  your  scent 
more  rare, 

No  Indian  gem  may  match  your 
glow. 

No  honey's  taste  with  yours  com- 
pare. 

Portals  ye  are  to  that  dear  home 
Wherein   our   wearied  souls  may 

hide, 
Wliereto  no  angry  foe  can  come, 
The  Heart  of  Jesus  crucified. 

What  countless  stripes  our  Jesus 

bore, 
All  naked  left  in  Pilate's  hall ! 


269 


PROPER  OF  SAINTS 


Quot  scissa  pellis  undique 
Stillat  cruoris  guttulas! 


^Frontera  venustam,  proh  dolor! 
Corona  pungit  spinea, 
Clavi  retusa  cuspide 
Pedes  manusque  perforant. 


^Postquam  sed  ille  tradidit 
Amans  volensque  spiritum, 
Pectus  feritur  lancea, 
Geminusque  liquor  exilit. 


^Ut  plena  sit  redemptio 
Sub   torculari   stringitur, 
Suique  Jesus  immemor, 
Sibi  nil  reservat  Sanguinis. 


*Venite,  quotquot  criminum 
Funesta  labes  inficit: 
In  hoc  salutis  balneo 
Qui  se  lavat,  mundabitur. 


'Summi  ad  Parentis  dexteram 
Sedenti  habenda  est  gratia, 
Qui  nos  redemit  Sanguine, 
Sanctoque  firmat  Spiritu. 


From  His  torn  flesh  how  red  a 

shower 
Did  round  His  sacred  person  fall! 

His  beauteous  brow,  oh,  shame 
and  grief, 

By  the  sharp  thorny  crown  is 
riven ; 

Through  hands  and  feet,  without 
relief, 

The  cruel  nails  are  rudely  driven. 

But  when  for  our  poor  sakes  He 

died, 
A  willing  Priest  by  love  subdued, 
The  soldier's  lance  transfixed  His 

side, 
Forth  flowed  the  Water  and  the 

Blood. 

In  full  atonement  of  our  guilt. 
Careless     of     self,    the     Saviour 

trod — 
E'en  till  His  Heart's  best  Blood 

was  spilt — 
The  wine-press  of  the   wrath   of 

God. 

Come,  bathe  you  in  the  healing 

flood, 
All  ye  who  mourn,  by  sin  opprest; 
Your  only  hope  is  Jesus'  Blood, 
His  Sacred  Heart  your  only  rest. 

All  praise  to  Him,  the  Eternal  Son, 
At    God's    right    hand    enthroned 

above, 
Whose  Blood  our  full  redemption 

won. 
Whose    Spirit    seals    the    gift   of 

love. 

Author:  Unknown,  17th  cent.  Meter:  Iambic  dimeter. 
Translation  by  H.  N.  Oxenham.  There  are  six  transla- 
tions. Liturgical  Use:  Hymn  for  Lauds  on  the  Feast  of 
the  Most  Precious  Blood.  There  is  an  article  on  this  hymn 
in  the  Cath.  Encycl. 

270 


SS.  CYRIL  AND  METHODIUS 

1.  **Hail,  ye  Wounds  of  Christ,  pledges  of  boundless  love, 
whence  unfailing  streams  of  crimson  Blood  flow  forth." 

2.  '*In  splendor  ye  surpass  the  stars;  in  fragrance,  roses 
and  balsam;  in  value,  Indian  jems;  in  sweetness,  honey." 
Favus,  i,  honeycomb,  honey. 

3.  ''Through  you  stands  open  for  our  hearts  a  most 
inviting  place  of  refuge,  whereto  the  rage  of  threatening 
enemies  can  never  penetrate." 

4.  "What  countless  stripes  did  the  naked  Jesus  receive 
in  the  judgment  hall !  How  many  drops  of  Blood  did  His 
lacerated  skin  let  fall  on  every  side ! ' ' 

5.  "0  grief!  a  thorny  crown  pierces  His  lovely  brow; 
nails  with  blunt  points  pierce  His  feet  and  hands." 

6.  "But  after  He  had  lovingly  and  of  His  own  free  will 
given  up  the  ghost,  a  lance  transfixed  His  breast,  and  a 
twofold  stream  sprang  forth."  Geminus  liquor,  Blood  and 
Water  (cf.  John  19,  34). 

7.  "That  the  Eedemption  might  be  complete,  Jesus  is 
pressed  beneath  the  wine-press,  and,  all  unmindful  of 
Himself,  He  reserves  for  Himself  none  of  His  Blood." 
The  term  "wine-press"  is  frequently  used  in  the  Scriptures 
in  a  figurative  sense  signifying  destruction,  tribulation, 
etc.  (cf.  Is.  63,  1-3;  Apoc.  19,  11-15). 

8.  "Come,  all  ye  whom  the  deadly  stain  of  sin  hath  in- 
fected; whoever  washes  himself  in  this  saving  bath  shall 
be  made  clean. ' ' 

9.  ' '  Thanks  are  due  to  Him  who  sitteth  at  the  right  hand 
of  the  sovereign  Father,  to  Him  who  hath  redeemed  us  by 
His  Blood,  and  strengthened  us  by  the  Holy  Spirit." 

SS.  CYRIL  AND  METHODIUS 

July  7 
121  Sedibus  cceli 

SEDIBUS  coeli  nitidis  receptos     CING,   0  ye  faithful,  sing  two 
Dicite       athletas       geminos,     ^        athlete  brothers, 
Fideles,  Welcomed    above    to    thrones    of 

Slavicae  duplex  columen  decusque  light  supernal ; 

Dicite  gentis.  Sing,  of  Slavonia's  race,  the  glory 

twofold 
And  strength  eternal. 

271 


PROPER  OF  SAINTS 

^Hos  amor  fratres  sociavit  unus,      One  love  these  brethren  bound  in 
Unaque  abduxit  pietas  eremo,  sweetest  union, 

Ferre  quo  muhis  celerent  beatae      By    pity    same    their    solitude    is 
Pignora  vitae.  broken; 

Forth    they    would    hasten,    unto 
many  bearing 
Life's  blessed  token. 

'  Luce,  quae  templis  superis  renidet,  Soon     o'er     Bulgaria,     Moravia, 
Bulgaros      complent,      Moravos,  Bohemia, 

Bohemos;  Light  from  the   heavenly   temple 
Mox     feras     turmas     numerosa  shineth  glorious. 

Petro  Once  savage   hordes,   now   count- 
Agmina  ducunt.  less  flocks,  to  Peter 

Lead  they  victorious. 

*  Debitam  cincti  meritis  coronam     Now  with  the  well-earned  crown 
Pergite  o  flecti  lacrymis  precan-  your  brow  encircled, 

tum:  Hear,  blessed   ones,  to   suppliant 

Prisca  vos  Slavis  opus  est  datores  tears  bending; 

Dona  tueri.  Unto  the  Slavs,  erst  by  your  gifts 

enriched. 
Protection   lending. 

^Quaeque     vos     clamat     generosa  Oh,  may  each  gen'rous  land,  your 
tellus  aid  imploring, 

Servet  aeternse  fidei  nitorem;  Keep    bright    the    faith    through 
Quae  dedit   princeps,   dabit  ipsa  every  generation; 

semper  Rome  to  that  land  first  gave,  and 
Roma  salutem.  ever  guardeth, 

Life  and  salvation. 

*Gentis    humanae    Sator    et    Re-  Lord,    of    our    race    Creator    and 
demptor  Redeemer, 

Qui    bonus    nobis    bona    cuncta  By  nature  good,  all  goods  on  us 

praebes,  bestowing, 

Sint  tibi  grates,  tibi  sit  per  omne  Glory  to  Thee  through  ages  all, 
Gloria  saeclum.  from  grateful 

Hearts  overflowing. 

Axtthok:  "Iste  et  sequens  compositi  fuerunt  a  R.  P. 
Leanetti  et  Rmo  Salvati,  revisi  vero  a  RRmis  Caprara  et 
Tripepi"  (Bishop  Van  der  Stappen's  Liturgia  Sacra 
Vol.  1,  p.  63).  No  other  information  could  be  obtained. 
The  hymns  have  been  improperly  ascribed  to  Pope  Leo 
XIII,  who  extended  the  Feast  of  SS.  Cyril  and  Methodius 

272 


H      1)    1     r      K  I't»         I'     A    S"  f    H     A  t' 

6"r  AT)  Rac^ 

itlft-  Idlil    (Hiftllfll    III  JUT   "It-  inUllKdl 

ci\  liic'iiri.j  ru.i  afft'tiiiii   .iKcfun  • 
I      Ijiifniiif  (ifiid.nli  rllt••v<•<'•^rlllI^((I  i"  UixMi  (i.ir  f.i   i   <■  luutr  imMdi. 
(    irrdlo-rfir  i>i.ji.i.-  I'.i  iiu-  .-i.i  c.i  iiuiiri   nuinii  iriiu'di -^.ilh  • 
j^.    I  ").uv         ill      .f.i.t.iii.riiK  .U'imnnr  oiilff  inuC       ' 

.Vl.ii'fi"  imii' im"  J-  ^'V  •"il'ii'"Miii  i('' 

rfriiii'  .111.)  iii.ndfri.  iniriju.'ni.im 


.lox-.T.Ii.i  r    ii.l" 


Ah.Iv   ,. 


}•„ 


Mvsfstth  Einsiedlense -IWt  Century,  559  pages  {Codex 
Msc.  113).  Pholo-reprodaction  of  Page  lUl  from  the 
original  in  the  Abbey  of  Maria  Einsiedeln.  '^'In  Die 
Secundo  Paschx.  Initiun  Infroitus  SS.  Trinitafis." 
A  fine  specimen  of  Illuminated  Liturgical  books  at  a 
period  ushering  ia  the  golisa  ag^  of  this  art  in  Europe, 


SS.  CYRIL  AND  METHODIUS 

to  the  whole  Church  in  1880,  at  which  time  the  hymns  were 
probably  written.  Meter  :  Sapphic  and  Adonic.  Transla- 
tion by  the  Benedictines  of  Stanbrook.  There  are  three 
translations.  Liturgical  Use:  Hymn  for  Vespers  and 
Matins. 

1.  **Sing,  0  ye  faithful,  the  two  athletes  admitted  to  the 
resplendent  abodes  of  heaven ;  sing  the  two  pillars  and  the 
glory  of  the  Slavonic  race."  Cyril  (827-869)  and  Methodius 
(826-885)  were  brothers,  born  of  noble  parents  in  Thes- 
salonica.  Both  were  consecrated  bishops.  Read  their 
biography  in  the  Cath.  Encycl.  Columen,  a  pillar;  fig.,  a 
support,  mainstay,  strength. 

2.  ' '  One  love  united  these  brothers,  one  tender  pity  drew 
them  forth  from  their  solitude  that  they  might  hasten  to 
bring  to  many  the  pledges  of  a  blessed  life."  Eremo,  from 
their  solitude,  i.e.,  from  their  monastery  in  Constanti- 
nople. 

3.  "With  the  light  that  beams  resplendent  in  the  temples 
above,  they  fill  Bulgarians,  Moravians,  and  Bohemians; 
they  soon  lead  to  Peter  savage  hordes,  a  numerous 
throng. ' '  Petro,  i.e.,  to  the  Church. 

4.  "Wreathed  with  crowns  well  earned  by  your  merits, 
may  you  continue  to  be  moved  by  the  tears  of  your  sup- 
pliants; there  is  need  that  you,  the  givers,  protect  your 
former  gifts  to  the  Slavs."  Cincti:  In  poetry  cingo,  and 
some  other  verbs  may,  in  the  passive,  govern  the  accusa- 
tive (the  Greek  ace;  cf.  Zumpt's  Grammar,  458).  Prisca 
dona,  faith.  The  Slavic  races  were  converted  in  the  9th 
cent. ;  this  hymn  was  composed  at  the  end  of  the  19th. 

5.  '  ^  May  every  noble  land  that  cries  to  you,  preserve  the 
splendor  of  an  undying  faith ;  Rome  which  first  gave,  will 
ever  continue  to  give  salvation."  Constr. :  Roma  ipsa 
salutem  princeps  dedit,  semper  dabit  salutem. 

6.  "0  Creator  and  Redeemer  of  the  human  race,  who 
dost  lovingly  bestow  upon  us  all  good  things,  to  Thee  be 
thanksgiving,  to  Thee  be  glory  forever  and  ever." 


273 


122 


PROPER  OF  SAINTS 
Lux  o  decora 


LUX  o  decora  patriae, 
Slavisque  arnica  gentibus, 
Salvete,  fratres,  annuo 
Vos  efFeremus  cantico: 

^Quos  Roma  plaudens  excipit, 
Complexa  mater  filios, 
Auget  corona  praesulum, 
Novoque  firmat  robore. 


Terras  ad  usque  barbaras 
Inferre  Christum  pergitis; 
Quot  vanus  error  luserat, 
Almo  repletis  lumine. 


*Noxis  soluta  pectora 
Ardor  supernus  abripit; 
Mutatur  horror  veprium 
In  sanctitatis  flosculos. 


*Et  nunc  serena  coelitum 
Locati  in  aula,  supplici 
Adeste  voto;  Slavicas 
Servate  gentes  Numini. 


'Errore  mersos  unicum 
Ovile  Christi  congreget; 
Factis  avitis  aemula 
Fides  virescat  pulchrior. 


^Tu  nos,  beata  Trinitas, 
Ccelesti  amore  concita; 
Patrumque  natos  inclyta 
Da  persequi  vestigia. 


0  LOVELY  light  of  fatherland! 
Kind  beacon  to  Slavonic  race, 
Brothers,  all  hail!  your  festival 
With  yearly  canticle  we  grace. 

Whom  Rome  applauding  did  re- 
ceive, 

As  mother  doth  her  sons  embrace, 

With  pontiflf's  miter  deck  your 
brows, 

Gird  with  new  strength,  new  toil 
to  face. 

To  far-off  barb'rous  lands  ye  hie, 

Knowledge  and  love  of  Christ  to 
bear; 

Whom  error  vain  had  long  de- 
ceived, 

Ye  now  with  light  replenish  fair. 

In  hearts  unfettered  from  the 
grasp 

Of  ill,  doth  heav'nly  ardor  glow; 

Where  horrid  thorns  the  land  de- 
voured, 

The  flowers  of  holiness  now  grow. 

At  length  in  heav'nly  court  en- 
throned. 
Ye  rest  securely;  as  we  pray. 
Oh,  hear  our  cry:  the  Slavic  race 
Vouchsafe  from  God  may  never 
stray. 

All  wanderers  plunged  in  errors 

dark 
May  Christ's  one  fold  to  union 

bring; 
While  emulous  of  ancestral  deeds 
May    faith    to    new-born    beauty 

spring. 

Do  Thou,  0  blissful  Trinity, 
Inflame  us  with  Thy  heav'nly  fires, 
And  grant  the  sons  may  ever  tread 
The  noble  footsteps  of  their  sires. 


274 


SS.  CYRIL  AND  METHODIUS 

Authors  and  Translatoes  as  in  the  preceding  hymn. 
There  are  three  translations.  Meter:  Iambic  dimeter. 
Hymn  for  Lauds  on  the  Feast  of  SS.  Cyril  and  Methodius. 

1.  **0  beauteous  light  of  your  fatherland,  and  light  be- 
nignly disposed  towards  the  Slavonic  nations,  brothers,  all 
hail!  we  will  praise  you  in  our  yearly  song  of  praise." 
Arnica,  adj.,  friendly. 

2.  ''Whom  Rome  applauding  receives  as  a  mother  em- 
bracing her  sons,  she  honors  them  with  the  miter  of 
bishops  and  endows  them  with  new  strength. ' '  Supply  eos 
in  the  last  two  lines  of  this  stanza. 

3.  "Ye  proceed  to  barbarous  lands  to  bring  them  Christ: 
as  many  as  vain  error  had  deceived,  ye  fill  with  the  blessed 
light  of  faith." 

4.  ''A  heavenly  zeal  takes  possession  of  hearts  freed 
from  sin;  the  horrid  sight  of  thorns  is  now  changed  into 
flowers  of  holiness."  The  last  two  lines  are  to  be  under- 
stood in  a  figurative  sense.  After  the  fall  of  man,  God 
cursed  the  earth,  and  it  was  to  bring  forth  thorns  and 
thistles  (Gen.  3,  18).  This  was  all  changed  by  the  Re- 
demption, and  the  earth  watered  by  the  Blood  of  Christ 
would  bring  forth  ''flowers  of  sanctity"  where  hitherto 
only  thorns  abounded.  This  is  beautifully  expressed  in  the 
second  stanza  of  Hymn  119. 

5.  "And  now,  0  ye  who  are  established  in  the  serene 
abode  of  the  Blessed,  hear  our  suppliant  prayer:  preserve 
for  God  the  Slavic  nations." 

6.  "May  the  one  fold  of  Christ  unite  those  now  sunk 
in  error;  may  their  faith,  emulous  of  the  deeds  of  their 
forefathers,  bloom  with  even  greater  beauty."  JEmula, 
adj.,  emulating,  rivaling;  constr.  with  the  dative. 

7.  "Thou,  0  Blessed  Trinity  quicken  us  with  heavenly 
love,  and  grant  that  the  sons  may  follow  in  the  illustrious 
footsteps  of  their  Fathers." 


275 


PROPER  OF  SAINTS 
ST.  ELIZABETH  OF  PORTUGAL 

July  8 
Domare  cordis 


123 

DOMARE       cordis       impetus 
Elisabeth 
Fortis,  inopsque  Deo 
Servire,  regno  praetulit. 

*En  fulgidis  recepta  coeli  sedibus, 
Sidereaeque  domus 
Ditata  Sanctis  gaudiis. 


"  Nunc  regnat  inter  coelites  beatior, 
Et  premit  astra,  docens 
Quae  vera  sint  regni  bona. 


*Patri  potestas,  Filioque  gloria, 
Perpetuumque  decus 
Tibi  sit  alme  Spiritus. 


TO  rule  thy  heart,  Elizabeth, 
To  curb  all  motions  vain, 
Seemed  better  to  thy  godly  soul 
Than  as  a  queen  to  reign. 

And  lo,  enthroned  among  the 
Saints, 

Above  the  gleaming  skies, 

Thou  hast  received  thy  rich  re- 
ward. 

The  joys  of  Paradise. 


Thy 


with    the    Angel 


reign    is 
choirs, 

The  stars  beneath  thy  feet. 
The  Blessed  Vision  is  thy  prize 
And  heaven  thy  queenly  seat. 

All  power  unto  the  Father  be, 
All  glory  to  the  Son, 
And  honor  to  the  Holy  Ghost 
While  endless  ages  run. 


Author:  Pope  Urban  VIII  (1568-1644).  Meter:  First 
line,  iambic  trimeter ;  2d  line,  half  of  a  pentameter ;  3d  line, 
iambic  dimeter.  The  meter  is  unusual  and  it  is  not  found 
in  any  other  hymn  in  the  Breviary.  Translation  by  D.  J. 
Donahoe.  There  are  four  translations.  Liturgical  Use: 
Hymn  for  Vespers  and  Matins.  St.  Elizabeth  was  queen 
of  Portugal ;  she  was  born  in  1271,  and  died  in  1336.  There 
is  a  brief  sketch  of  her  life  in  the  Cath.  Encycl. 

1.  **In  preference  to  a  royal  throne,  Elizabeth  preferred 
to  subdue  the  passions  of  her  heart,  and,  poor,  to  serve 
God." 

2.  *■ '  Behold,  now  she  hath  been  received  into  the  shining 
abodes  of  heaven,  and  enriched  with  the  holy  joys  of  that 
celestial  dwelling  place." 

3.  **Now   with   greater   joy    she   reigneth    among    the 

276 


ST.  ELIZABETH 

Blessed,  and  dwelleth  above  the  stars,  teaching  us  what 
really  constitute  the  good  things  of  a  kingdom." 

4.  **To  the  Father  be  power,  to  the  Son  glory,  and  to 
Thee,  Holy  Spirit,  eternal  honor." 

124  Opes  decusque  regium 

OPES     decusque     regium     re-  "DICHES  and  regal  throne,  for 

liqueras  c"-*-       Christ's  dear  sake, 

Elisabeth,  Dei  dicata  numini;  True  Saint,  thou  didst  despise; 

Recepta      nunc      bearis       inter  Amid  the   Angels   seated  now  in 

Angelos ;  bliss, 

Libens    ab    hostium    tuere    nos  Oh,  help  us  from  the  skies! 
dolis. 

^Praei,      viamque      dux      salutis  Guide  us;  and  fill  our  days  with 
indica:  perfume  sweet 

Sequemur:     0     sit     una     mens  Of  loving  word  and  deed; 

fidelium,  So     teaches     us     thy     beauteous 
Odor  bonus  sit  omnis  actio,  tuis  charity. 

Id  innuit  rosis  operta  caritas.  By  fragrant  roses  hid. 

'Beata  caritas,  in  arce  siderum  0  charity!   what  power  is  thine! 
Potens     locare    nos     per     omne  by  thee 

saeculum:  Above  the  stars  we  soar; 

Patrique  Filioque  summa  gloria,  In  thee  be  purest  praise  to  Father, 
Tibique      laus      perennis      alme  Son 

Spiritus.  And  Spirit,  evermore. 

Authoe:  Pope  Urban  VIII  (1568-1644).  Meter:  Iambic 
trimeter.  Translation  by  Father  Caswall.  There  are 
three  translations.  Liturgical  Use:  Hymn  for  Lauds  on 
the  Feast  of  St.  Elizabeth. 

1.  "Wealth  and  royal  splendor,  Elizabeth,  thou  didst 
forsake,  and  thou  didst  devote  thyself  to  the  will  of  God: 
now  received  among  the  Angels  thou  art  blessed ;  graciously 
protect  us  from  the  deceits  of  the  enemy. ' ' 

2.  * '  Go  thou  before,  and  as  a  guide  point  out  the  way  of 
salvation;  we  will  follow:  0  may  there  be  but  one  mind 
among  the  faithful,  may  every  action  be  a  good  odor !  The 
charity  concealed  by  thy  roses  betokens  this."  St.  Eliza- 
beth was  very  charitable  to  the  poor,  and  like  a  true  Saint 
she  always  endeavored  to   conceal  her   charitable   deeds 

277 


PROPER  OF  SAINTS 

from  the  eyes  of  men.  The  Breviary  thus  records  the 
miracle  of  the  roses  referred  to  in  this  stanza:  "In  the 
depth  of  winter  she  changed  the  money  she  was  going  to 
distribute  to  the  poor  into  roses  to  conceal  it  from  the 
king."  Almsdeeds  and  the  prayers  of  the  faithful  are 
odors  of  sw^eetness,  an  acceptable  sacrifice,  pleasing  to 
God  (Philip.  4,  18;  Apoc.  5,  8). 

3.  "0  blessed  charity  which  hath  power  to  establish  us 
forever  in  the  stronghold  of  the  stars !  To  Father  and  to 
Son  be  infinite  glory,  and  to  Thee,  0  Holy  Spirit,  be  end- 
less praise." 


125 


ST.  MARY  MAGDALENE 

July  22 
Pater  superni  luminis 


PATER  superni  luminis, 
Cum  Magdalenam  respicis, 
Flammas  amoris  excitas, 
Geluque  solvis  pectoris. 


^Amore  currit  saucia 
Pedes  beatos  ungere, 
Lavare  fletu,  tergere 
Comis,  et  ore  lambere. 


■Adstare  non  timet  Cruci, 
Sepulchro  inhaeret  anxia: 
Truces  nee  horret  milites, 
Pellit  timorem  caritas. 


*  0  vera,  Christe,  caritas, 
Tu  nostra  purga  crimina, 
Tu  corda  reple  gratia, 
Tu  redde  cteli  praemia. 


tpATHER  of  lights!  one  glance 
■*•  of  Thine, 

Whose  eyes  the  universe  control, 
Fills  Magdalene  with  holy  love, 
And  melts  the  ice  within  her  soul. 

Her  precious  ointment  forth  she 

brings 
Upon  those  sacred  feet  to  pour; 
She    washes    them    with    burning 

tears, 
And  with  her  hair  she  wipes  them 

o'er. 

Impassioned,    to    the    Cross    she 

clings, 
Nor  fears  beside  the  tomb  to  stay; 
Nor   dreads   the    soldiers'    savage 

mien. 
For  love  has  cast  all  fear  away. 

0  Christ,  Thou  very  Love  itself! 
Blest  hope  of  man,  through  Thee 

forgiven ! 
So  touch  our  spirits  from  above. 
So  purify  our  souls  for  heaven. 


278 


ST.  MARY  MAGDALENE 

''Patri,  simulque  Filio,  To  God  the  Father,  with  the  Son 

Tibique,  sancte  Spiritus,  And  Holy  Paraclete,  with  Thee, 

Sicut  fuit,  sit  jugiter  As  evermore  hath  been  before, 

Saeclum  per  orane  gloria.  Be  glory  through  eternity. 

Author:  Cardinal  Bellarmine,  S.J.  (1542-1621).  Meter: 
Iambic  dimeter.  Translation  by  Father  Caswall.  There 
are  nine  translations.  Liturgical  Use:  Vespers  hymn. 
Read  the  article  on  Mary  Magdalen  in  the  Cath.  Encycl. 
Note  the  two  spellings — Magdalene,  Magdalen. 

1.  ''Source  of  heavenly  Light,  when  Thou  lookest  upon 
Magdalene,  Thou  dost  excite  in  her  the  flames  of  love,  and 
dispellest  the  icy  coldness  of  her  heart."  Pater  superni 
luminis  =  Christus.  Christ  by  His  suffering  and  death  is 
the  source  of  all  grace  (luminis). 

2.  **  Wounded  with  love,  she  runs  to  anoint  those  sacred 
feet,  to  wash  them  with  her  tears,  to  wipe  them  with  her 
hair,  and  to  kiss  them  with  her  mouth. ' '  Saucia,  wounded, 
smitten.  Et  stans  retro  secus  pedes  ejus,  lacrymis  coepit 
rigare  pedes  ejus,  et  capillis  capitis  sui  tergebat,  et  oscula- 
batur  pedes  ejus,  et  unguento  ungebat  (Luke  7,  38). 

3.  ''She  does  not  fear  to  stand  beside  the  Cross;  in  dis- 
tress she  remains  near  the  sepulcher;  she  does  not  dread 
the  savage  soldiery;  love  banishes  fear."  Adstare  cruci, 
Cf.  John  19,  25.  Sepulchro  inhcsret,  Cf.  Matt.  27,  61.  Nee 
horret,  Cf.  John  20, 1. 

4.  "0  Christ,  true  Love,  wash  Thou  away  our  sins,  fill 
our  hearts  with  grace,  and  bestow  upon  us  the  rewards  of 
heaven."  Christe,  vera  caritas:  Deus  caritas  est:  et  qui 
manet  in  caritate,  in  Deo  manet,  et  Deus  in  eo  (I  John  4, 
16). 

5.  "To  the  Father,  and  at  the  same  time  to  the  Son  and 
to  Thee,  Holy  Spirit,  as  has  been,  so  be  it  forever,  eternal 
glory." 

126  Maria  castis  osculis 

MARIA  castis  osculis  1-T^^  sacred  feet  with  tears  of 

Lambit  Dei  vestigia:  •■•■■■      agony 

She  bathes;  and  prostrate  on  the 
ground  adores; 

279 


PROPER  OF  SAIXTS 


Fletu  rigat,  tergit  corais, 
Detersa  nardo  perlinit 


^  Deo  Patri  sit  gloria, 

Ej  usque  soli  Filio, 
Cum  Spiritu  Paraclito, 
Nunc,  et  per  omne  ssculum. 


Steeps  them  in  kisses  chaste,  and 

wipes  them  dry 
With  her  own  hair;  then  forth  her 

precious  ointment  pours. 

Praise  in  the  highest  to  the  Father 

be; 
Praise    to    the    might)"    co-etemal 

Son; 
And  praise,  0  Spirit  Paraclete,  to 

Thee, 
While   ages  evermore   of   endless 

ages  rim. 


Authob:  Ascribed  to  Pope  St.  G-regory  the  Great  (540- 
604).  Meteb:  Iambic  dimeter.  Teaxslation  by  Father 
Caswall.  There  are  four  translations.  Liturgical  Use: 
Hymn  for  Matins  on  the  Feast  of  St.  Mary  Magdalene. 
This  hymn  is  a  cento  from  a  hymn  of  t"vrelve  stanzas  be- 
ginning Magno  salutis  gaudio.  Original  Text:  Nardo 
Maria  pistico. 

1.  ''With  chaste  kisses,  Mary  kisses  the  feet  of  God,  she 
washes  them  with  her  tears,  dries  them  with  her  hair,  and, 
when  dried,  anoints  them  with  spikenard."  Vestigia,  lit., 
footprints,  the  soles  of  the  feet ;  here  it  is  used  for  pedes. 
Nardus  or  nardum,  an  ointment,  unguent. 


127 


Siimmi  Parentis  Unice 


SOIMI  Parentis  Unice, 
Vultu  pio  nos  respice, 
Vocans  ad  arcem  gloriae 
Cor  Magdalenae  poenitens. 


*Amissa  drachma  regio 
Recondita  est  aerario, 
Et  gemma,  deterso  luto, 
Nitore  vincit  sidera. 


'Jesu,  medela  vulnerum, 
Spes  una  poenitentium, 


SON    of   the   Highest,   deign  to 
cast 
On  us  a  pitying  eye; 
Thou,  who  repentant  Magdalene 
Didst  call  to  endless  joy. 

Again  the  royal  treasury 

Receives  its  long-lost  coin; 

The  gem  is  found,  and,  cleansed 

from  mire. 
Doth  all  the  stars  outshine. 

O  Jesus,  balm  of  ever^'  woimd! 
The  sinner's  only  stay! 


280 


ST.  MARY  MAGDALENE 

Per  Magdalenae  lacrymas  Wash  Thou  in  Magdalene's  pure 

Peccata  nostra  diluas.  tears 

Our  guihy  spots  away. 

*Dei  Parens  piissima,  Mother  of  God!  the  sons  of  Eve 

Hevae  nepotes  flebiles  Weeping  thine  aid   implore: 

De  mille  vitae  fluctibus  Oh,   land  us  from  the  storms  of 

Salutis  in  portum  vehas.  life 

Safe  on  th'  eternal  shore. 

'Uni  Deo  sit  gloria,  Glory,   for   graces  manifold, 

Pro  multiformi  gratia,  To  the  one  only  Lord; 

Peccantium  qui  crimina  Whose  mercy  doth  our  souls  for- 

Remittit,  et  dat  praemia.  give, 

Whose  bounty  doth  reward. 

Author;  St.  Odo  of  Cluny  (879-942).  Meter:  Iambic 
dimeter.  Translation  by  Father  Caswall.  There  are 
seven  translations.  Liturgical  Use:  Hymn  for  Lauds  on 
the  Feast  of  St.  Mary  Magdalene.  First  line  of  Original 
Text :  ^terni  Patris  Unice. 

1.  **0  Thou  Only-Begotten  of  the  sovereign  Father,  look 
upon  us  with  a  benign  countenance,  Thou  who  callest  to  the 
pinnacle  of  glory  the  penitent  heart  of  Magdalene." 

2.  "The  lost  groat  is  again  restored  to  the  royal 
treasury ;  and  the  gem  wiped  clean  from  mire  surpasses  the 
stars  in  brilliance. ' '  For  the  Parable  of  the  Lost  Coin  see 
Luke  15,  8-9.  The  drachma  was  a  small  coin  bearing  the 
image  of  the  reigning  king.  It  here  represents  the  human 
soul  on  which  is  impressed  the  image  and  likeness  of  God. 
The  ''gem"  referred  to  is  the  human  soul  purified  by 
penance  and  so  adorned  with  sanctifying  grace  that  it  out- 
shines the  stars  in  splendor. 

3.  "0  Jesus,  balm  of  our  wounds,  and  sole  hope  of  the 
penitent,  mayest  Thou,  through  the  tears  of  Magdalene, 
wash  away  our  sins. ' ' 

4.  "0  most  gracious  Mother  of  God,  convey  us  weeping 
descendants  of  Eve,  from  a  thousand  waves  of  life  to  a 
haven  of  safety."    Fluctibus,  storms,  aflSictions. 

5.  ''To  God  alone  be  glory  for  His  manifold  graces, — 
to  God  who  forgiveth  the  sins  of  sinners  and  bestoweth 
rewards." 

281 


128 


PROPER  OF  SAINTS 
ST.  PETER'S  CHAINS 

August  1 
Miris  modis 


MIRIS    modis    repente    liber, 
ferrea, 
Christo    jubente,    vincla    Petrus 

exuit : 
Ovilis     ille     Pastor,     et    Rector 

gregis 
Vitae   recludit   pascua,   et   fontes 

sacros, 
Ovesque    servat    creditas;    arcet 

lupos. 

^Patri     perenne     sit    per     aevum 

gloria, 
Tibique    laudes    concinamus    in- 

clytas, 
i^^terne      Nate,       sit,       superne 

Spiritus, 
Honor    tibi,     decusque:     sancta 

jugiter 
Laudetur     omne     Trinitas     per 

saeculum. 


IN  wondrous  mode  set  free,  lo, 
at  the  Lord's  command 

The  galling  iron  chain  doth  fall 
from  Peter's  hand, 

From  Peter,  Shepherd  blest,  who 
doth  with  gentle  sway. 

His  faithful  children  lead  in  vir- 
tue's fragrant  way. 

And  e'er  with  watchful  love  the 
tempter  drive  away. 

Now  to  the  Father  be  eternal  glory 

done; 
Our   songs   we   raise  to   Thee,   0 

everlasting  Son; 
0  Spirit  from  on  high.  Thy  throne 

we  bow  before; 
To   Thee   be    honor,    praise,   and 

glory  evermore: 
The  Holy  Trinity  we  worship  and 

adore. 


Author  :  This  is  one  stanza  of  the  hymn  described  under 
hymn  89.  Meter:  Iambic  trimeter.  Translation  by 
Father  Potter.  Liturgical  Use  :  Hymn  for  Vespers.  First 
line  of  Original  Text:  Petrus  heatus  catenarum  laqueos. 
For  an  account  of  the  miraculous  deliverance  of  St.  Peter 
from  prison  read  Acts  12,  3-10. 

1.  ''Suddenly  and  in  a  wondrous  manner  set  free,  Peter 
at  Christ's  command  puts  off  the  iron  chains:  he  the 
shepherd  and  the  ruler  of  the  flock  of  sheep  makes  known 
the  pastures  of  life  and  the  sacred  springs ;  he  guards  the 
sheep  entrusted  to  him,  and  keeps  the  wolves  away." 
Ovilis,  adj.,  of  sheep. 


282 


THE  TRANSFIGURATION  OF  OUR  LORD 

August  6 


129 


Quicumque  Christum  quceritis 


Q' 


lUICUMQUE  Christum  quaeri- 
tis, 
Ocnlos  in  altum  tollite: 
Illic  licebit  vi&ere 
Signura  perennis  gloriae. 


^  Illustre  quiddam   cernimus, 
Quod  nesciat  finem  pati, 
Sublime,  celsum,  interminiun, 
Antiquius  ccelo  et  chao. 


'  Hie  ille  Rex  est  Gentium, 
Populique  Rex  Judaici, 
Promissus  Abrahae  patri, 
Ej  usque  in  sevum  semini. 


*Hunc  et  Prophetis  testibus, 
lisdemque  signatoribus 
Testator  et  Pater  jubet 
Audire  nos,  et  credere. 


'Jesu,  tibi  sit  gloria, 
Qui  te  revelas  parvulis, 
Cum  Patre  et  almo  Spiritu 
In  sempiterna  saecula. 


ALL  ye  who  would  the  Christ 
descry, 
Lift  up  your  eyes  to  Him  on  high: 
There  mortal  gaze  hath  strength 

to  see 
The  token  of  His  majesty. 

A  wondrous  sign  we  there  behold, 
That  knows  not  death  nor  groweth 

old, 
Sublime,   most  high,  that  cannot 

fade. 
That   was   ere   earth   and   heaven 

were  made. 

Here  is  the  King  the  Gentiles  fear, 
The  Jews'  most   mighty  King   is 

here 
Promised  to  Abraham  of  yore, 
And  to  his  seed  forevermore. 

'Tis  He  the  Prophets'  words  fore- 
told. 

And  by  their  signs  shown  forth 
of  old; 

The  Father's  witness  hath  or- 
dained 

That  we  should  hear  with  faith 
unfeigned. 

Jesu,  to  Thee  our  praise  we  pay. 
To  little  ones  revealed  to-day, 
With  Father  and  Blest  Spirit  One 
Until  the  ages'  course  is  done. 


Author:  Prudentius  (348-413).  Meter:  Iambic  dimeter. 
TRANSLATioiir  by  Allan  G.  McDougall.  There  are  twenty- 
four  translations,  nine  of  which  are  in  Mr.  Shipley's 
Annus  Sanctus.    Liturgical  Use:  Hymn  for  Vespers  and 

283 


PROPER  OF  SAINTS 

Matins.  This  hymn  is  a  cento  from  the  twelfth  and  last 
poem  in  the  Cathemerinon  of  Prudentius.  The  complete 
poem  consists  of  208  lines,  and  has  furnished  four  centos 
for  Breviary  use:  viz.,  0  sola  magnarum  iirhium  (Ephi- 
phany),  Audit  tyr  annus  anxius,  and  Salvete  flores 
martyrum.  Read  the  article  on  Quicumque  Christum 
quceritis,  and  the  two  articles  on  Transfiguration,  in  the 
Cath.  Encycl. 

1.  ''All  ye  who  seek  Christ,  lift  up  your  eyes  on  high; 
there  it  will  be  permitted  you  to  behold  a  token  of  His 
eternal  glory."  The  Transfiguration  of  Our  Lord  is  de- 
scribed in  Matt.  17,  1-9;  Mark  9,  1-8;  Luke  9,  28-36.  On 
Mount  Thabor  Our  Lord  granted  Peter,  James,  and  John  a 
sign,  or  foretaste,  of  eternal  glory.  The  Apostles  were  over- 
whelmed and  rendered  beside  themselves  by  only  a  partial 
manifestation  of  the  majesty  of  Christ's  glorified  Body. 

2.  *'A  brilliant  Something  we  perceive  that  can  know  no 
end,  sublime,  exalted,  interminable,  older  than  heaven  and 
chaos."  By  chaos  is  meant  the  confused,  disordered, 
primitive  mass  out  of  which  the  universe  was  made. 

3.  ''This  is  the  King  of  the  Gentiles,  and  the  King  of 
the  Jewish  people,  who  was  promised  to  our  father 
Abraham,  and  to  his  seed  forever."  Christ  was  styled 
King  of  the  Jews  by  the  Magi  (Cf.  Matt.  2,  2).  Abraham 
was  the  first  Patriarch  and  the  founder  of  the  Hebrew  race 
(Cf.  Gen.  17,  1-9;  Luke  1,55). 

4.  "In  the  presence  of  the  prophets  who  had  also  an- 
nounced Him,  the  Testator  and  Father  commands  us  to  hear 
and  believe  Him."  The  Prophets  Moses  and  Elias  ap- 
peared at  the  Transfiguration  and  conversed  wath  Our 
Lord.  The  testimony  of  the  Father  is  found  in  Matt.  17,  5. 
Testator:  The  Father  is  styled  "testator"  in  reference  to 
Ps.  2,  8:  Postula  a  me,  et  dabo  tibi  gentes  hsereditatem 
tuam,  et  possessionem  tuam  terminos  terrse. 

5.  "Together  with  the  Father  and  the  Holy  Spirit,  0 
Jesus,  eternal  glory  be  to  Thee,  who  dost  reveal  Thyself  to 
the  little  ones"  (Cf.  Matt.  11,  25;  Luke  10,  21). 


284 


130 


THE  TRANSFIGURATION 
Lux  alma,  Jesu 


LUX  alma,  Jesu,  mentium, 
Dura  corda  nostra  recreas, 
Culpae  fugas  caliginem, 
Et  nos  reples  dulcedine. 

^Quam  laetus  est,  quem  visitas! 
Censors  paternae  dexterae, 
Tu  dulce  lumen  patriae, 
Camis  negatum  sensibus. 

'Splendor  paternae  gloriae, 
Incomprehensa  caritas. 
Nobis  amoris  copiam 
Largire  per  prsesentiam. 

*Jesu,  tibi  sit  gloria, 
Qui  te  revelas  parvulis, 
Cum  Patre  et  almo  Spiritu, 
In  sempiterna  saecula. 


LIGHT  of  the  anxious  heart, 
Jesus,  Thou  dost  appear, 
To  bid  the  gloom  of  guilt  depart, 
And  shed  Thy  sweetness  here. 

Joyous  is  he,  with  whom, 
God's  Word,  Thou  dost  abide; 
Sweet  Light  of  our  eternal  home. 
To  fleshly  sense  denied. 

Brightness  of  God  above! 
Unfathomable   grace! 
Thy  presence  be  a  fount  of  love 
Within  Thy  chosen  place. 

To  Thee,  whom  children  see. 
The  Father  ever  blest. 
The  Holy  Spirit,  One  and  Three, 
Be  endless  praise  addrest. 


Author:  St.  Bernard  (1091-1153).  Meter:  Iambic 
dimeter.  Translation  by  Cardinal  Newman.  There  are 
eight  translations.  Liturgical  Use:  Hymn  for  Lauds  on 
the  Feast  of  the  Transfiguration  of  Our  Lord.  This  hymn 
is  a  cento  from  St.  Bernard's  Jesu  dulcis  memoria.  First 
line  of  Original  Text :  Amor  Jesu  dulcissime. 

1.  ''0  Jesus,  Thou  loving  light  of  souls,  when  Thou 
dost  refresh  our  hearts,  dispel  the  darkness  of  sin,  and  fill 
us  with  sweetness."  Lux:  Ego  sum  lux  mundi  (John  8, 
12). 

2.  "How  happy  is  he  whom  Thou  visitest!  Thou  com- 
peer at  the  right  hand  of  the  Father,  Thou  sweet  light  of 
heaven,  imperceptible  to  the  senses  of  the  flesh."  The 
things  denied  to  fleshly  sense  are  hinted  at  by  St.  Paul, 
who  was  taken  up  to  the  third  heaven:  Quod  oculus  non 
vidit,  nee  auris  audivit,  nee  in  cor  hominis  ascendit,  quae 
prseparavit  Deus  iis,  qui  diligunt  ilium  (I  Cor.  2,  9). 

3.  *'0  brightness  of  the  Father's  glory,  incomprehensi- 
ble love,  by  Thy  presence,  bestow  upon  us  the  fullness  of 
Thy  love."     Splendor:    Christ  is  the  brightness  of   the 

285 


PROPER  OF  SAINTS 

Father's  glory  (Cf.  Heb.  1,  3).  This  line  was  borrowed  by 
the  compilers  of  the  cento  in  1568,  and  was  retained  by 
the  revisers  under  Urban  VIII,  1632.  It  is  the  first  line  of 
Hymn  12. 


THE  SEVEN  DOLORS  OF  OUR  LADY 

Sept.  15 


131 


Jam  toto  subitus 


JAM    toto    subitus    vesper    eat 
polo, 
Et  sol  attonitum  praecipitet  diem, 
Dum     saevae     recolo     ludibrium 

necis, 
Divinamque  catastrophen. 


*  Spectatrix       aderas       supplicio 

Parens, 
Malis  uda,   gerens  cor  adaman- 

tinum : 
Natus  funerea  pendulus  in  cruce 
Altos  dum  gemitus  dabat. 


'Pendens      ante      oculos      Natus, 

atrocibus 
Sectus  verberibus,  Natus  hianti- 

bus 
Fossus    vulneribus,    quot    pene- 

trantibus 
Te  confixit  aculeis! 

*Heu!     sputa,     alapae,     verbera, 

vulnera, 
Clavi,  fel,  aloe,  spongia,  lancea, 
Sitis,   spina,   cruor,   quam   varia 

pium 
Cor  pressere  tyrannide! 


NOW  let  the  darkling  eve 
Mount  suddenly  on  high. 
The  sun  affrighted  reave 
His  splendors  from  the  sky, 
While  I  in  silence  grieve 
O'er  the  mocked  agony 
And  the  divine  catastrophe. 

Grief-drenched,  thou  dost  appear 
With  heart  of  adamant, 
O  Mother;  and  dost  hear 
The  Great  Hierophant, 
Upon  His  wooden  bier 
Locked  in  the  arms  of  Death, 
Utter  in  groans  His  parting  breath. 

What  lookest  thou  upon, 
Mangled  and  bruised  and  torn? 
Ah,  'tis  the  very  Son 
Thy  yearning  breast  hath  borne! 
Surely,  each  breaking  moan 
And  each  deep-mouthed  wound 
Its  fellow  in  thy  heart  hath  found ! 

Surely,  the  taunts  and  woes, 
The  scourge,  the  dripping  thorn, 
The  spitting  and  the  blows, 
The  gall,  the  lance,  the  scorn — 
Surely,  each  torment  throws 
A  poison-dart  at  thee. 
Crushed      by      their      manifold 
tyranny. 


286 


THE  SEVEN  DOLORS  OF  OUR  LADY 

'Cunctis  interea  stat  generosior  Yet  thou  with  patient  mien 

Virgo      Martyribus :       prodigio  Beneath  His  Cross  dost  stand, 

novo.  Nobler  in  this,  I  ween, 

In   tantis   moriens    non   raoreris  Than  all  the  martyr-band: 

Parens,  A  thousand  deaths,  0  Queen, 

Diris  fixa  doloribus.  Upon  thy  spirit  lie. 

Yet  thou,  O  marvel!  dost  not  die. 

•Sit  summae  Triadi  gloria,   laus,     0  Holy  Trinity, 

honor.  Let  earth  and  heaven  raise 

A  qua  suppliciter,  sollicita  prece.     Their  song  of  laud  to  Thee 
Posco  virginei  roboris  semulas       The  while  my  spirit  prays: — 
Vires  rebus  in  asperis.  When  evil  comes  to  me, 

The  strength  do  Thou  impart 
That   erst    upheld   Thy   Mother's 
heart ! 


Author:  Ascribed  to  Callisto  Palumbella,  18th  cent. 
Meter:  Asclepiadic  and  Glyconic.  Translation  by 
Monsignor  Henry.  There  are  six  translations.  Liturgical 
Use  :  Vespers  hymn.  This  hymn  was  formerly  assigned  to 
Matins. 

There  are  two  Feasts  in  honor  of  the  Seven  Dolors  of  the 
Blessed  Virgin.  See  Hymn  54.  The  Seven  Sorrows  which 
these  Feasts  commemorate  are:  1.  The  prophecy  of  holy 
Simeon  at  the  presentation  in  the  Temple — ''And  thy  own 
soul  a  sword  shall  pierce."  2.  The  flight  into  Egypt.  3. 
The  loss  of  the  Child  Jesus  in  Jerusalem.  4.  The  meeting 
of  Mary  and  Jesus  on  the  way  to  Calvary.  5.  The  Cruci- 
fixion. 6.  The  taking  down  from  the  Cross.  7.  The  burial 
of  Jesus.  See  the  article  in  the  Cath.  Encycl.  on  Sorrows 
of  the  Blessed  Virgin  Mary. 

1.  *'Now  let  the  evening  come  suddenly  upon  the  whole 
heavens,  and  let  the  astonished  sun  dispatch  the  day,  while 
I  recount  the  spectacle  of  the  cruel  death  and  the  divine 
tragedy. ' ' 

2.  "Drenched  with  grief,  thou,  0  Mother,  wast  present 
at  the  Crucifixion,  bearing  in  thy  bosom  a  heart  of 
adamant,  while  thy  Son  hanging  on  the  fatal  Cross  uttered 
deep  groans."    TJdus,  wet,  moist,  tearful. 

3.  ''Before  thy  very  eyes  hung  thy  Son  lacerated  with 
cruel  scourgings,  thy  Son  wounded  with  gaping  wounds; 

287 


PROPER  OF  SAINTS 

with  how  many  sharp,  penetrating  points  did  this  transfix 
thee!" 

4.  "Alas!  spittle,  blows,  stripes,  wounds,  nails,  gall, 
aloes,  sponge,  lance,  thirst,  thorns,  blood, — with  what  mani- 
fold tyranny  do  they  oppress  thy  loving  heart ! ' ' 

5.  ''The  Virgin  the  while  stands  there  more  noble  than 
the  martyrs :  by  a  new  wonder,  0  Mother,  dying,  thon  dost 
not  die,  though  transfixed  by  such  great  and  dreadful 
sorrows." 

6.  "To  the  sovereign  Trinity  be  glory,  praise,  and 
honor,  from  whom  I  suppliantly  and  with  fervent  prayer 
beg  strength  like  the  Virgin's  in  time  of  trouble." 


132 


O  quot  undis 


OQUDT  undis  lacrimarum, 
Quo  dolore  volvitur, 
Luctuosa  de  cruento 
Dum,  revulsum  stipite, 
Cernit  ulnis  incubantem 
Virgo  Mater  filium! 


*  Os  suave,  mite  pectus, 
Et  latus  dulcissimum, 
Dexteramque  vulneratam, 
Et  sinistram  sauciam, 
Et  rubras  cruore  plantas 
^gra  tingit  lacrimis. 


w 


HAT    a    sea    of    tears    and 


sorrow 
Did  the  soul  of  Mary  toss 
To  and  fro  upon  its  billows, 
While   she  wept  her   bitter   loss; 
In  her  arms  her  Jesus  holding, 
Torn  so  newly  from  the  Cross. 

Oh,  that  mournful  Virgin-Mother! 
See  her  tears  how  fast  they  flow 
Down  upon  His  mangled  body. 
Wounded  side,  and  thorny  brow; 
While    His    hands    and    feet    she 

kisses — 
Picture  of  immortal  woe. 


'Centiesque  milliesque 
Stringit  arctis  nexibus 
Pectus  illud,  et  lacertos, 
Ilia  figit  vulnera: 
Sicque  tola  colliquescit 
In  doloris  osculis. 

*Eja  Mater,  obsecramus 
Per  tuas  has  lacrimas, 
Filiique  triste  funus, 


Oft  and  oft  His  arms  and  bosom 
Fondly  straining  to  her  own; 
Oft  her  pallid  lips  imprinting 
On  each  wound  of  her  dear  Sonj 
Till  at  last,  in  swoons  of  anguish, 
Sense  and  consciousness  are  gone. 

Gentle  Mother,  we  beseech  thee 
By  thy  tears  and  troubles  sore; 
By     the     death     of     thy     dear 
Offspring, 


288 


THE  SEVEN  DOLORS  OF  OUR  LADY 

Vulnerumque  purpuram,  By  the  bloody  wounds  He  bore; 

Hunc  tui  cordis  dolorem  Touch  our  hearts  with  that  true 

Conde  nostris  cordibus.  sorrow 

Which  afflicted  thee  of  yore. 

'Esto  Patri,  Filioque,  To  the  Father  everlasting, 

Et  coaevo  Flaraini,  And  the  Son  who  reigns  on  high, 

Esto  summae  Trinitati  With  the  co-eternal  Spirit, 

Sempiterna  gloria,  Trinity  in  Unity, 

Et  perennis  laus,  honorque  Be  salvation,  honor,  blessing 

Hoc,  et  omni  saeculo.  Now  and  through  eternity. 


Author:  Ascribed  to  the  Servite  Callisto  Palumbella, 
who  composed  the  OflSce  for  the  Feast  inserted  in  the 
Breviary  in  1720.  Meter  :  Trochaic  tetrameter.  Transla- 
tion by  Father  Caswall.  There  are  six  translations. 
Liturgical  Use  :  In  the  latest  editions  of  the  Breviary  this 
hymn  is  assigned  to  Matins;  it  was  formerly  the  Vespers 
hymn  of  the  Feast  of  the  Seven  Dolors. 

1.  *'0,  with  what  floods  of  tears,  with  what  grief  is  the 
Virgin-Mother  overwhelmed,  when  mourning  she  beholds 
her  Son  taken  down  from  the  blood-stained  Tree  and  laid 
in  her  arms!"  Constr. :  0  quot  undis  lacrimarum,  quo 
dolore  volvitur  luctuosa  Virgo  Mater,  dum  cernit  Filium 
incumbantem  ulnis  revulsum  de  (crucis)  stipite. 

2.  ''The  desolate  Mother  bathes  with  tears  that  sweet 
mouth,  that  gentle  breast,  that  side  most  sweet,  that  right 
hand  transfixed,  the  left  wounded,  those  feet  red  with 
blood." 

3.  **A  hundred  times,  yea,  a  thousand  times  she  enfolds 
in  tight  embraces  that  breast  and  those  arms,  she  imprints 
on  herself  those  wounds :  and  thus  in  kisses  of  sorrow  she 
wholly  melts  away." 

4.  ' '  0  Mother,  we  beseech  thee  by  these  thy  tears,  by  the 
cruel  death  of  thy  Son,  and  by  the  purple  of  His  wounds, 
plant  deep  in  our  hearts  the  grief  of  thine  own  heart." 

5.  "To  the  Father,  and  to  the  Son,  and  to  the  co-eternal 
Spirit,  to  the  most  high  Trinity,  be  everlasting  glory, 
eternal  praise  and  honor,  now  and  forever. ' ' 


289 


133 


PROPER  OF  SAINTS 
SummcB  Deus  dementia 


SUMMi^  Deus  clementiae, 
Septem  dolores  Virginis 
Plagasque  Jesu  Filii 
Fac  rite  nos  revolvere. 


^  Nobis  salutem  conferant 
Deiparaj  tot  lacrimae, 
Quibus  lavare  suflScis 
Totius  orbis  crimina. 

*Sit  quinque  Jesu  vulnerum 
Amara  contemplatio, 
Sint  et  dolores  Virginis 
interna  cunctis  gaudia. 

*Jesu,  tibi  sit  gloria, 
Qui  passus  es  pro  servulis, 
Cum  Patre  et  almo  Spiritu, 
In  sempiterna  saecula. 


GOD  of  mercy,  let  us  run 
Where  yon  fount  of  sorrows 
flows; 
Pondering  sweetly,  one  by  one, 
Jesu's  Wounds  and  Mary's  woes. 

Ah,  those  tears  Our  Lady  shed. 
Enough  to  drown  a  world  of  sin; 
Tears  that  Jesu's  sorrows  fed, 
Peace  and  pardon  well  may  win! 

His  five  Wounds,  a  very  home, 
For  our  prayers  and  praises  prove; 
And  Our  Lady's  woes  become 
Endless  joys  in  heaven  above. 

Jesus,  who  for  us  did  die, 
All  on  Thee  our  love  we  pour; 
And  in  the  Holy  Trinity 
Worship  Thee  forevermore. 


Author:  Ascribed  to  Callisto  Palumbella,  18th  cent. 
Meter:  Iambic  dimeter.  Translation  by  Father  Faber. 
There  are  six  translations.  Liturgical  Use:  Hymn  for 
Lauds  on  the  Feast  of  the  Seven  Dolors. 

1.  * '  0  God  of  infinite  mercy,  grant  that  we  may  meditate 
well  on  the  Seven  Sorrows  of  the  Virgin  and  on  the  Wounds 
of  Jesus  her  Son. ' ' 

2.  ''May  the  numerous  tears  of  the  Mother  of  G-od  be 
conducive  to  our  salvation ;  with  which  tears  Thou,  0  God, 
art  able  to  wash  away  the  sins  of  the  whole  world." 
Sufficis,  viz.,  Deus  from  the  preceding  stanza. 

3.  **May  the  bitter  contemplation  of  the  Five  "Wounds  of 
Jesus,  and  may  the  Seven  Sorrows  of  the  Virgin  be  a 
source  of  eternal  joys  to  all." 

4.  *' Jesus,  to  Thee,  who  didst  suffer  for  Thy  servants,  be 
glory,  together  with  the  Father  and  the  Holy  Spirit, 
through  everlasting  ages." 


290 


134 


ST.  MICHAEL  THE  ARCHANGEL 

Sept.  29 
Te  splendor  et  virtus  Patris 


TE  splendor  et  virtus  Patris, 
Te  vita,  Jesu,  cordium, 
Ab  ore  qui  pendent  tuo, 
Laudamus  inter  Angeles. 


'Tibi  mille  densa  millium 
Ducum  corona  militat: 
Sed  explicat  victor  crucem 
Michael  salutis  signifer. 


"Draconis  hie  dirum  caput 
In  ima  pellit  tartara, 
Ducemque  cum  rebellibus 
Coelesti  ab  arce  fulminat. 


•Contra  ducem  superbiae 
Sequamur  hunc  nos  principem, 
Ut  detur  ex  Agni  throno 
Nobis  corona  gloriae. 


'Patri,  simulque  Filio, 
Tibique  sancte  Spiritus, 
Sicut  fuit,  sit  jugiter 
Sseclum  per  omne  gloria. 


OJESU!    Life-spring    of    the 
soul! 
The    Father's    power    and    glory 

bright! 
Thee  with  the  Angels  we  extol; 
From  Thee  they  draw  their  life 
and  light. 

Thy  thousand  thousand  hosts  are 

spread 
Embattled  o'er  the  azure  sky; 
But  Michael  bears  Thy  standard 

dread, 
And    lifts   the   mighty    Cross    on 

high. 

He  in  that  Sign  the  rebel  powers 

Did  with  their  Dragon  Prince  ex- 
pel; 

And  hurled  them  from  the  heavens* 
high  towers, 

Down  like  a  thunderbolt  to  hell. 

Grant  us,  with  Michael,  still,   0 

Lord, 
Against   the   prince    of    pride   to 

fight; 
So  may  a  crown  be  our  reward, 
Before  the  Lamb's  pure  throne  of 

light. 

To  God  the  Father,  with  the  Son 
And  Holy  Paraclete,  with  Thee, 
As  evermore  hath  been  before, 
Be  glory  through  eternity. 


Author:  Ascribed  to  Rabanus  Maurus  (776-856). 
Meter:  Iambic  dimeter.  Translation  by  Father  Caswall. 
There  are  eighteen  translations.  Liturgical  Use:  Hymn 
for  Vespers  and  Matins.     First  line  of  Original  Text: 

291 


PROPER  OF  SAINTS 

Tihi  Christe  splendor  Patris.  In  this  and  in  the  following 
hymn  the  Church  sings  the  praises  not  only  of  St.  Michael 
but  of  all  the  holy  Angels.  Read  the  article  on  Michael  the 
Archangel,  in  the  Cath.  Encycl.  At  the  end  of  the  article 
there  is  an  account  given  of  Michaelmas  Day.  There  are 
separate  articles  on  each  of  the  Angels  mentioned  in  the 
following  hymn  (No.  135). 

In  the  revision  of  1632,  this  hymn,  according  to  the  Bid. 
of  Hymnology  was  ** recast  greatly  for  the  worse."  The 
Original  Text  with  J.  M.  Neale  's  translation  is  given  below. 

1.  ''Thee,  0  splendor  and  power  of  the  Father,  Thee,  0 
Jesus,  the  life  of  our  hearts,  we  praise  in  the  presence  of 
the  Angels  who  hang  upon  the  words  of  Thy  mouth." 
Pendent,  to  regard  with  close  attention. 

2.  *'It  is  for  Thee  this  dense  host  of  countless  thousands 
of  princes  engage  in  battle :  but  it  is  the  victorious  Michael, 
the  standard-bearer  of  salvation,  who  unfurls  the  standard 
of  the  Cross."  Corona,  a  crown,  also  an  assembly.  Mille 
is  sometimes  used  in  the  sense  of  countless,  innumerable, 
infinite.  As  to  the  number  of  Angels,  Cf.  Matt.  26,  53; 
Apoc.  5,  11.  For  the  ''great  battle  in  heaven,"  Cf.  Apoc. 
12,  7-9. 

3.  "He  casts  the  direful  head  of  the  dragon  into  the 
depths  of  hell,  and  hurls  headlong  from  the  heavenly  citadel 
the  prince  together  with  his  rebels."  Hie,  Michael.  Of 
Satan's  fall  Our  Lord  said:  Videbam  satanam  sicut  fulgur 
de  coelo  cadentem  (Luke  10,  18). 

4.  "Let  us  follow  this  leader  against  the  prince  of  pride, 
that  a  crown  of  glory  may  be  given  to  us  from  the  throne 
of  the  Lamb." 


134B  Tibi  Christe  splendor  Patris 

TIBI  Christe  splendor  Patris,  'T'HEE,   0   Christ,   the   Father's 

Vita,  virtus  cordium,  ^        splendor, 

In  conspectu  Angelorum  Life  and  virtue  of  the  heart, 

Votis,  voce  psallimus:  In  the  presence  of  the  Angels 

Alternantes  concrepando  Sing  we  now  with  tuneful  art, 

Melos  damus  vocibus.  Meetly  in  alternate  chorus 

Bearing  our  responsive  part. 

292 


ST.  MICHAEL  THE  ARCHANGEL 


^  CoUaudamus  venerantes 
Omnes  cceli  principes, 
Sed  praecipue  fidelem 
Medicum,  et  comitem 
Raphaelem,  in  virtute 
Alligantem  daemonem. 

^Quo  custode  procul  pelle, 
Rex  Christe  piissime, 
Omne  nefas  inimici: 
Mundo  corde  et  corpora 
Paradiso  redde  tuo 
Nos  sola  dementia. 


*Gloriam  Patri  melodis 
Personemus  vocibus: 
Gloriam  Christo  canamus, 
Gloriam  Paraclito: 
Qui  trinus,  et  unus  Deus 
Exstat  ante  saecula. 


Thus  we  praise  with  veneration 
All  the  armies  of  the  sky; 
Chiefly  him,  the  warrior  Primate, 
Of  celestial  chivalry, 
Michael,  who  in  princely  virtue 
Cast  Abaddon  from  on  high. 


By 


care     re- 


whose     watchful 
pelling — 
King  of  everlasting  grace — 
Every  ghostly  adversary, 
All  things  evil,  all  things  base, 
Grant  us  of  Thine  only  goodness 
In  Thy  Paradise  a  place. 

Laud  and  honor  to  the  Father, 
Laud  and  honor  to  the  Son, 
Laud  and  honor  to  the  Spirit, 
Ever  Three,  and  ever  One, 
Consubstantial,    co-eternal. 
While  unending  ages  run. 


This  is  the  Original  Text  of  the  preceding  hymn. 
Translation  by  J.  M.  Neale.  Meter  :  Trochaic  tetrameter 
catalectic.    The  lines  are  here  divided  at  the  caesura. 


135 


Christe,  sanctorum 


CHRISTE,     sanctormn     decus 
Angelorum, 
Gentis  hmnanae  sator  et  redemp- 

tor, 
Coelitum  nobis  tribuas  beatas 
Scandere  sedes. 


*Angelus  pacis  Michael  in  aedes 

Ccelitus  nostras  veniat,  serenae 

pacis 


Auctor    ut 
orcum 

Bella  releget. 


lacrimosa    in 


CHRIST,  of  the  Angels  praise 
and  adoration, 
Father  and  Saviour  Thou,  of  every 

nation, 
Graciously  grant  us  all  to  gain  a 
station. 
Where  Thou  art  reigning. 

Angel  all  peaceful,  to  our  dwell- 
ings send  us, 

Michael,  from  heaven  coming  to 
befriend  us, 

Breathing  serenest  peace  may  he 
attend  us, 
Grim  war  dispelling. 


298 


PROPER  OF  SAINTS 


'Angelus  fortis  Gabriel,  ut  hostes 
Pellat  antiques,  et  arnica  ccelo. 
Quae     triumphator     statuit     per 
orbem, 
Templa  revisat. 


*  Angelus  nostrae  medicus  salutis, 
Adsit  e  ccelo  Raphael,  ut  omnes 
Sanet  aBgrotos,  dubiosque  vitae 
Dirigat  actus. 


'Virgo    dux    pacis,    Genitrixqua 
lucis, 
Et  sacer  nobis  chorus  Angelorum 
Semper       assistat,       simul       et 
micantis 

Regia  coeli. 


*  Praestet  hoc  nobis  Deitas  beata 
Patris,  ac  Nati,  pariterque  sancti 
Spiritus,      cujus      resonat      per 
omnem 
Gloria  mundum. 


Angel  of  strength,  who  triumphed, 
tumults  quelling, 

Gabriel  send  us,  ancient  foes  ex- 
pelling. 

Oft  in  these  temples  may  he  make 
his  dwelling, 
Dear  unto  heaven. 

Angel  Physician,  health   on  man 

bestowing, 
Raphael   send  us  from  the  skies 

all  glowing, 
All  sickness  curing,  wisest  counsel 

showing 

In  doubt  and  danger. 

May  the  fair  Mother  of  the  Light 

be  o'er  us. 
Virgin  of  peace,  with  all  the  Angel 

chorus, 
And  may  the  heavenly  army  go 

before  us, 
Guiding  and  guarding. 

0  May  the  Godhead,  endless  bliss 

possessing. 
Father,   Son,   Spirit,  grant  to  us 

this  blessing; 
All  His  creation  joins  His  praise 

confessing. 
Now  and  forever. 


Author:  Ascribed  to  Rabanus  Maurus  (776-856). 
Meter:  Sapphic  and  Adonic.  Translation  by  T.  I.  Ball. 
There  are  thirteen  translations.  Liturgical  Use:  Hymn 
for  Lauds. 

1.  "O  Christ,  Thou  glory  of  the  holy  Angels,  the 
Creator  and  Redeemer  of  mankind,  grant  that  we  may 
ascend  to  the  happy  abodes  of  the  Blessed."  Scandere  = 
ascendere;  constr.,  scandere  ad  or  in;  it  may  also  take  the 
accusative,  being  used  as  an  active  verb. 

2.  *^May  Michael,  the  Angel  of  peace,  descend  from 
heaven  into  our  homes,  that  he,  the  author  of  sweet  peace, 
may  banish  dismal  war  to  hell."  St.  Michael  is  the  Angel 
of  peace  because  he  was  the  leader  of  the  heavenly  hosts 

294 


THE  HOLY  GUARDIAN  ANGELS 

that  fought  with  the  rebel  angels,  and  by  his  victory  estab- 
lished peace  in  heaven  (Cf.  Apoc.  12,  7-9).  Orcus,  the  in- 
fernal regions. 

3.  **May  Gabriel,  Angel  of  strength,  put  to  flight  our 
ancient  enemies,  may  he  revisit  the  temples  dear  to  heaven, 
which  the  conqueror  has  placed  throughout  the  world." 
Triumphator,  Christ.  Templa  revisat:  An  allusion  prob- 
ably to  the  Archangel's  visit  to  Zachary  (Cf.  Luke  1,  11- 
19). 

4.  * '  May  the  Angel  Raphael,  the  physician  of  our  health, 
descending  from  heaven,  be  at  our  side,  that  he  may  heal 
all  that  are  infirm,  and  guide  us  in  the  uncertain  under- 
takings of  life. ' '  The  Archangel  Raphael  was  the  guide  and 
protector  of  the  younger  Tobias,  and  the  physician  who 
restored  the  sight  of  the  elder  TolDias  (Cf.  Tobias  5-11). 

5.  "May  the  Virgin  Queen  of  Peace,  the  Mother  of 
Light,  the  sacred  choir  of  Angels,  and  the  court  of  radiant 
heaven  always  assist  us."  Lucis,  Christ.  Ego  sum  lux 
mundi  (John  8,  12).  The  Blessed  Virgin  is  invoked  as  she 
is  the  Queen  of  Angels  (Litany).  The  following  is  Father 
Caswall's  translation  of  this  stanza: 

Thou  too,  fair  virgin,  Daughter  of  the  skies! 
Mother  of  Light,  and  Queen  of  Peace,  descend; 
Bringing  with  thee  the  radiant  court  of  heaven, 
To  aid  us  and  defend. 

6.  "May  the  Blessed  Godhead  of  the  Father,  Son,  and 
Holy  Spirit,  whose  glory  resounds  throughout  the  world, 
grant  us  this  our  prayer. ' ' 


THE  HOLY  GUARDIAN  ANGELS 

Oct.  2 

136  Custodes  hominum 

pUSTODES    hominum    psalli-      A  NGELGUARDIANS   of  men, 
^-^     mus  Angelos,  -^*-      spirits  and  powers  we  sing. 

Naturae  fragili  quos  Pater  addidit     Whom  our  Father  hath  sent,  aids 

to  our  weakly  frame, 
295 


PROPER  OF  SAINTS 


Coelestis  comites,  insidiantibus 
Ne  succumberet  hostibus. 


'Nam    quod    corruerit    proditor 

angelus, 
Concessis  merito  pulsus  honori- 

bus, 
Ardens  invidia  pellere  nititur 
Quos  ccelo  Deus  advocat. 


*  Hue  custos  igitur  pervigil  advola, 
Avertens  patria  de  tibi  credita 
Tarn    morbos    animi,    quam    re- 

quiescere 
Quidquid  non  sinit  incolas. 


Heavenly  friends  and  guides,  help 
from  on  high  to  bring, 

Lest  we  fail  through  the  foeman's 
wile. 

He,  the  spoiler  of  souls,  Angel- 
traitor  of  old, 

Cast  in  merited  wrath  out  of  his 
honored  place. 

Burns  with  envy  and  hate,  seek- 
ing their  souls  to  gain 

Whom  God's  mercy  invites  to 
heaven. 

Therefore  come  to  our  help, 
watchful  ward  of  our  lives: 

Turn  aside  from  the  land  God  to 
thy  care  confides 

Sickness  and  woe  of  soul,  yea,  and 
what  else  of  ill 

Peace  of  heart  to  its  folk  denies. 


*Sanctae  sit  Triadi  laus  pia  jugiter,     Now   to   the    Holy    Three   praise 
Cujus  perpetuo  numine  machina  evermore  resound: 

Triplex    haec    regitur,    cujus    in     Under  whose  hand  divine  resteth 

omnia  the  triple  world 

Regnat  gloria  ssecula.  Governed  in  wondrous  wise:  glory 

be  theirs  and  might 
While  the  ages  unending  run. 

Author:  Ascribed  to  Cardinal  Bellarmine  (1542-1621). 
Meter:  Asclepiadic  and  Glyconic.  TRANSLATioiir  by  Alan 
G.  McDoTigall.  There  are  five  translations.  Liturgical 
Use:  Hymn  for  Vespers.  Read  the  articles  on  Guardian 
Angel  and  on  Guardian  Angels,  Feast  of,  in  the  Cath. 
Encycl. 

1.  '^We  sing  of  the  Angels,  the  guardians  of  men,  whom 
the  heavenly  Father  has  given  as  companions  to  our  frail 
nature,  lest  it  succumb  to  its  insidious  foes." 

2.  *'For  since  the  traitor-angel  fell,  he  was  justly  de- 
prived of  the  honors  bestowed  upon  him,  and,  burning  with 
envy,  he  now  endeavors  to  banish  those  whom  God  calls  to 
heaven. ' ' 

3.  *  *  Fly  hither  then,  0  ever-watchful  guardian,  and  ward 
off  from  the  land  entrusted  to  thee  both  diseases  of  the 

296 


THE  HOLY  GUARDIAN  ANGELS 

soul  and  whatsoever  does  not  permit  the  inhabitants  to 
rest."  Not  only  may  each  individual  have  a  Guardian 
Angel,  but  each  nation  may  have  a  special  protector  among 
the  heavenly  spirits.  Cf.  the  footnote  on  Daniel  10,  13, 
in  the  Douay  Bible,  and  the  article  on  Guardian  Angel,  in 
the  Cath.  Encycl. 

4.  **May  there  be  loving  praise  forever  to  the  Holy 
Trinity,  by  whose  eternal  will  is  ruled  this  triple  frame, 
and  whose  glory  reigns  supreme  throughout  the  ages," 


137 


Mterne  Rector  side  rum 


AETERNE  Rector  siderum, 
Qui,  quidquid  est,  potentia 
Magna  creasti,  nee  regis 
Minore  providentia: 

^Adesto  supplicantiura 
Tibi  reorum  coetui, 
Lucisque  sub  crepusculum 
Lucem  no  vara  da  mentibus. 

^Tuusque  nobis  Angelus 
Electus  ad  custodiam, 
Hie  adsit;  a  contagio 
Ut  criminum  nos  protegat. 


*  Nobis  draconis  aemuli 
Versutias  exte^minet; 
Ne  rete  fraudulentias 
Incauta  nectat  pectora. 

^Metum  repellat  hostium 
Nostris  procul  de  finibus: 
Pacem  procuret  civium, 
Fugetque  pestilentiam. 

*Deo  Patri  sit  gloria, 
Qui,  quos  redemit  Filius, 
Et  sanctus  unxit  Spiritus, 
Per  Angelos  custodial. 

Author:    Cardinal    Bellarmine     (1542-1621).      Meter: 
Iambic  dimeter.    Translation  by  Father  Caswall.    There 

297 


RULER  of  the  dread  immense! 
Maker  of  this  mighty  frame! 
Whose  eternal  providence 
Guides  it,  as  from  Thee  it  came: 

Low  before  Thy  throne  we  bend; 
Hear  our  supplicating  cries; 
And  Thy  light  celestial  send 
With  the  freshly  dawning  skies. 

King    of   kings,    and    Lord   most 

High! 
This  of  Thy  dear  love  we  pray: 
May  Thy  Guardian  Angel  nigh, 
Keep  us  from  all  sin  this  day. 

May  he  crush  the  deadly  wiles 
Of  the  envious  serpent's  art. 
Ever  spreading  cunning  toils 
Round  about  the  thoughtless  heart. 

May  he  scatter  ruthless  war 
Ere  to  this  our  land  it  come; 
Plague  and  famine  drive  away. 
Fix  securely  peace  at  home. 

Father,  Son,  and  Holy  Ghost, 
One  eternal  Trinity! 
Guard  by  Thy  Angelic  host 
Us  who  put  our  trust  in  Thee. 


PROPER  OF  SAINTS 

are  seven  translations.    Liturgical  Use:  Hymn  for  Lauds 
on  the  Feast  of  the  Holy  Guardian  Angels. 

1-2.  "Eternal  Ruler  of  the  stars,  who,  with  great  power 
didst  create  whatever  exists,  and  with  no  less  providence 
dost  govern  the  same;  give  heed  to  the  assembly  of  the 
guilty  who  supplicate  Thee,  and,  at  the  break  of  day,  grant 
new  light  to  our  souls."  Crepusculum,  twilight — generally 
the  evening  twilight.  Here  it  is  used  for  *'dawn"  as  Lauds 
was  said  at  daybreak. 

3.  ''And  Thy  Angel,  who  was  chosen  as  our  guardian, 
may  he  be  present  here  to  protect  us  from  the  contagion  of 
sin." 

4.  "May  he  bring  to  naught  for  us  the  wiles  of  the 
envious  dragon,  lest  he  ensnare  unwary  hearts  in  the  net 
of  deceitf ulness. " 

5.  "May  he  drive  far  from  our  borders  the  fear  of 
enemies;  may  he  procure  peace  among  the  citizens  and 
banish  pestilence." 

6.  ' '  Glory  be  to  the  Father,  who  guardeth  by  His  Angels 
those  whom  the  Son  redeemed  and  the  Holy  Spirit 
anointed."    TJnxit,  strengthened. 


FEAST  OF  THE  MOST  HOLY  ROSARY 

Oct.  7 
138  Cwlestis  aulce  Nuntius 

CCELESTIS  aulae  Nuntius,  HPHE  Messenger  from  God's  high 

Arcana  pandens  Numinis,  -■-        throne 

Plenara  salutat  gratia  His  secret  counsel  making  known 

Dei  Parentem  Virginem.  Hails  Mary,  child  of  David's  race, 

God's  Virgin -Mother,  full  of  grace. 

^  Virgo  propinquam  sanguine  The  Mother-Maid  with  joyous  feet 

Matrem  Joannis  visitat,  Her  friend,  John's  mother,  goes  to 

Qui  clausus  alvo  gestiens  greet; 

Adesse  Christum  nuntiat.  He,  stirring  in  the  enclosing  womb. 

Declares  that  Christ  his  Lord  haa 
come. 

298 


THE  HOLY  ROSARY 


'Verbum,  quod  ante  saecula 
E  mente  Patris  prodiit, 
E  Matris  alvo  Virginis 
Mortalis  Infans  nascitur. 


*Templo  puellus  sistitur, 
Legique  paret  Legifer, 
Hie  se  Redemptor  paupere 
Pretio  redemptus  immolat. 


'Quem  jam  dolebat  per  litum, 
Mox  laeta  Mater  invenit 
Ignota  doctis  mentibus 
Edisserentem  Filium. 


'Gloria  tibi  Domine 
Qui  natus  es  de  Virgine, 
Cum  Patre  et  Sancto  Spiritu 
In  sempiterna  saecula. 


The  Word,   who   ere  the   worlds 

began, 
From    God   the    Father's   thought 

forth  ran, 
Of  Mary,  Virgin  undefiled. 
For  us  is  born  a  mortal  child. 

Christ  to  the  Temple  courts  they 

bring; 
The  King's  own  law  subjects  the 

King; 
The  world's  Redeemer  for  a  price 
Is  there  redeemed,  our  sacrifice. 

The  joyful  Mother  finds  once  more 

The  Son  she  mourned  as  lost  be- 
fore; 

While  doctors  by  His  speech  were 
shown 

The  mysteries  they  had  never 
known. 

To  God  the  Three  in  One  be  praise. 
Who  through  these  holy  mysteries 
Grants  grace  to  those  who  seek  in 

prayer 
The  glory  of  His  bliss  to  share. 


Atjthoe!  Father  Augustine  Ricchini,  O.P.,  18th  cent. 
Meter:  Iambic  dimeter.  Translation  by  Alan  G.  Mc- 
Dougall.  There  are  five  translations.  Liturgical  Use: 
Vespers  hymn.  Thence:  The  Five  Joyful  Mysteries — one 
stanza  being  devoted  to  each  Mystery.  The  Breviary  Of- 
fice in  honor  of  the  Most  Holy  Rosary,  with  its  four  proper 
hymns,  was  approved  by  Pope  Leo  XIII,  in  1888.  In 
studying  the  hymns  it  will  be  observed  that  the  first  three 
hymns  celebrate  in  their  fifteen  stanzas,  the  fifteen 
Mysteries  of  the  Holy  Rosary.  The  fourth  hymn  is  a  re- 
capitulation of  the  subject  matter  of  the  first  three  hymns. 
The  hymns  were  written  in  1757. 

1.  The  Annunciation:  "The  messenger  of  the  heavenly 
court,  revealing  the  mysteries  of  the  Divinity,  salutes,  as 
full  of  grace,  the  Virgin-Mother  of  God."  Nuntius,  the 
Archangel  Gabriel  (Cf.  Luke  1,  26-28). 

299 


PROPER  OF  SAINTS 

2.  The  Visitation:  **The  Virgin  visits  one  related  to  her 
by  blood,  the  mother  of  John,  who,  though  still  enclosed  in 
the  womb,  exultingly  proclaims  that  Christ  is  present." 
Exultavit  infans  in  utero  ejus  (Luke  1,  41).  Propinquam 
sanguine,  Elizabeth,  Mary's  cousin  (Luke  1,  36) ;  read  the 
remainder  of  this  chapter  of  St.  Luke.  It  gives  an  account 
of  the  Visitation,  and  in  it  are  found  the  two  sublime 
Evangelical  Canticles,  the  Magnificat  (verses  46-55),  and 
the  Benedictus  (verses  68-79). 

3.  The  Nativity:  "The  Word  that  from  all  eternity  had 
proceeded  from  the  intellect  of  the  Father  is  born  a  mortal 
infant  from  the  womb  of  a  Virgin-Mother.*'  Verbum,  the 
Eternal  Son  (Cf.  John  1,  1-14). 

4.  The  Presentation:  *'The  Child  is  presented  in  the 
temple,  the  Lawgiver  obeys  the  Law,  here  the  Redeemer 
offers  Himself,  and  is  redeemed  by  the  offering  of  the 
poor."  The  Law  (Leviticus  12,  6-8)  specified  the  offerings 
that  must  be  made  by  the  rich  and  by  the  poor  on  the  puri- 
fication of  a  woman  after  childbirth.  The  latter  were  re- 
quired to  offer  a  sacrifice  of  "a  pair  of  turtle  doves,  or  two 
young  pigeons"  (Cf.  Luke  2,  22-24).  Mary  made  the 
offering  of  the  poor,  and  did  for  Him  ''according  to  the 
custom  of  the  Law"  (Luke  2,  27).  The  purification  of  the 
mother,  and  the  redemption  of  the  Child  (Num.  18,  15) 
were  quite  different  legal  prescriptions,  but  it  is  reasonable 
to  suppose  that  both  ceremonies  took  place  at  the  same 
time.  Read  the  beautiful  Canticle  of  Simeon  (Luke  2,  29- 
32). 

5.  The  Finding  in  the  Temple:  ''Now  the  joyful  Mother 
finds  her  Son  whom  she  had  already  mourned  as  lost ;  finds 
Him  expounding  to  learned  minds  things  they  did  not 
know." 

139  In  monte  olivis 

IN  monte  olivis  consito  'T^HE    Mount    of    Olives    wit- 

Redemptor  orans,  procidit,  ^        nesseth 

Mceret,  pavescit,  deficit,  The  awful  agony  of  God: 

Sudore  manans  sanguinis.  His  soul  is  sorrowful  to  death, 

His   sweat   of  blood  bedews  the 
sod. 
300 


THE  HOLY  ROSARY 


'A  proditore  traditus 
Raptatur  in  poenas  Deus, 
Durisque  vinctus  nexibus 
Flagris  cruentis  caeditur. 


'Intexta  acutis  sentibus, 
Corona  contumeliae, 
Squallenti  amictum  purpura, 
Regem  coronat  gloriae. 


*Molis  crucem  ter  arduae, 
Sudans,  anhelans  concidens, 
Ad  montis  usque  verticem 
Gestare  vi  compellitur. 


'Confixus  atro  stipite 
Inter  scelestos  innocens, 
Orando  pro  tortoribus, 
Exsanguis  efflat  spiritum. 


"Gloria  tibi,  Domine, 
Qui  natus  es  de  Virgine, 
Cum  Patre  et  Sancto  Spiritu 
In  sempiterna  saecula. 


And   now   the    traitor's    work    is 

done: 
The  clamorous  crowds  around  Him 

surge ; 
Bound  to  pillar,  God  the  Son 
Quivers    beneath    the    blood-red 

scourge. 

Lo!    clad    in    purple    soiled    and 

worn, 
Meekly  the  Saviour  waiteth  now 
While    wretches    plait    the    cruel 

thorn 
To  crown  with  shame  His  royal 

brow. 

Sweating  and  sighing,  faint  with 

loss 
Of  what  hath  flowed  from  life's 

red  fount. 
He    bears    the    exceeding    heavy 

Cross 
Up    to    the    verge    of    Calvary's 

mount. 

Nailed   to    the   wood    of   ancient 

curse, 
Between   two   thieves   the    Sinless 

One 
Still  praying  for  His  murderers, 
Breathes  forth  His  soul,  and  all 

is  done! 

Glory  to  Thee,  and  honor  meet, 
Jesu,  of  Maiden-Mother  born. 
And  Father  and  the  Paraclete, 
Through  endless  ages  of  the  morn ! 


Author:  Father  Augustine  Ricchini,  O.P.,  18th  cent. 
Meter  :  Iambic  dimeter.  Translation  by  Monsignor  Henry. 
There  are  four  translations.  Liturgical  Use:  Hymn  for 
Matins  on  the  Feast  of  the  Holy  Rosary.  Theme :  The  Five 
Sorrowful  Mysteries. 

1.  The  Agony  in  the  Garden:  **0n  the  mountain  planted 
with  olives,  the  Redeemer  praying  falls   prostrate;  He 

301 


PROPER  OF  SAINTS 

grows  sad,  He  fears,  He  grows  faint,  dripping  with  a  sweat 
of  blood."  The  Passion  of  Our  Lord  is  described  in  Matt. 
26-27;  Mark  14-15;  Luke  22-23;  John  18-19. 

2.  The  Scourging  at  the  Pillar:  **God,  delivered  up  by 
a  traitor,  is  dragged  away  to  punishment;  He  is  bound 
with  rough  cords  and  beaten  with  bloody  scourges." 

3.  The  Crowning  with  Thorns:  ''A  crown  of  ignominy, 
woven  of  sharp  thorns,  crowns  the  King  of  glory  clothed 
with  a  filthy  purple  garment.  * ' 

4.  The  Carrying  of  the  Cross:  "Perspiring,  gasping, 
and  falling,  He  is  compelled  by  force  to  carry  the  Cross  of 
thrice  heavy  weight  to  the  summit  of  the  mountain."  The 
Cross  was  ''thrice  heavy"  on  account  of  Our  Lord's  weak- 
ness following  the  agony  and  the  scourging. 

5.  The  Crucifixion:  ''Fastened  to  the  infamous  gibbet, 
guiltless  He  hangs  between  the  guilty,  till,  bloodless,  He 
breathes  forth  His  Spirit  while  praying  for  His  torturers." 


140 


Jam  morte  victor 


JAM  morte  victor  obruta 
Ab  inferis  Christus  redit, 
Fractisque  culpae  vinculis, 
Coeli  recludit  limina. 


^Visus  satis  mortal  ibus 
Ascendit  ad  coelestia, 
Dexterseque  Patris  assidet 
Consors  paternae  gloriae. 

'Quern  jam  suis  promiserat, 
Sanctum  daturus  Spiritum, 
Linguis  amoris  igneis 
Mcestis  alumnis  impluit. 

*Soluta  carnis  pondere 
Ad  astra  Virgo  tollitur, 
Excepta  cceli  jubilo, 
Et  Angelorum  canticis. 


NOW  Christ,  the  Conqueror  of 
death, 
Breaks  sin's  enslaving  chain, 
And  rising  from  the  tomb  returns, 
And  opens  heaven  again. 

Awhile  beheld  by  mortal  men. 
He  rises  from  their  sight; 
Ascending  to  the  Father's  throne, 
He  reigns  in  equal  light. 

His  promised  gift  unto  His  own 
He   sends   forth   from   above, 
And  rains  the  Holy  Spirit  down 
In  fiery  tongues  of  love. 

The     Virgin,     freed     of     mortal 

weight, 
Is  borne  than  stars  yet  higher, 
And  with  glad  melody  is  hailed 
By  each  Angelic  choir. 


302 


THE  HOLY  ROSARY 

'Bis  sena  cingunt  sidera  Our   Mother's    gentle    brow   now 

Almae  parentis  verticem:  shines 

Throno  propinqua  Filii  With  crown  in  starry  sheen, 

Cunctis  creatis  imperat.  As    nigh    her    Son,    in    light    en- 

throned, 
She  reigns  creation's  Queen. 

*  Gloria  tibi,  Domine,  O  Jesu,  bom  of  Virgin  bright, 

Qui  natus  es  de  Virgine,  All  glory  be  to  Thee, 

Cum  Patre  et  Sancto  Spiritu  With  Father  and  with  Paraclete, 

In  sempiterna  saecula.  Through  all  eternity. 


Author:  Father  Augustine  Ricchini,  O.P.,  18th  cent. 
Meter:  Iambic  dimeter.  Translation  by  the  Benedictines 
of  Stanbrook.  Liturgical  Use:  Hymn  for  Lauds  on  the 
Feast  of  the  Holy  Rosary.  Theme:  The  Five  Glorious 
Mysteries. 

1.  The  Resurrection:  ''Death  having  been  vanquished, 
Christ,  the  conqueror,  returns  from  Limbo,  and  having 
broken  the  bonds  of  sin,  He  reopens  the  portals  of  heaven.'* 

2.  The  Ascension:  ''Having  appeared  sufficiently  long 
to  men,  He  ascended  into  heaven  and  sits  at  the  right  hand 
of  the  Father,  a  co-sharer  of  His  glory." 

3.  The  Coming  of  the  Holy  Ghost:  "The  Holy  Spirit 
whom  He  had  already  promised  to  His  own,  He  showers 
down  upon  His  sorrowing  Apostles  in  fiery  tongues  of 
love. ' ' 

4.  The  Assumption  of  the  Blessed  Virgin:  "Liberated 
from  the  weight  of  the  flesh,  the  Virgin  is  taken  up  to 
heaven;  she  is  received  with  the  jubilation  of  heaven,  and 
with  the  songs  of  Angels. ' ' 

5.  The  Coronation  of  the  Blessed  Virgin:  "Twelve 
stars  now  crown  the  brow  of  the  glorious  Mother ;  near  the 
throne  of  her  Son,  she  reigns  over  all  created  things." 
There  is  an  allusion  in  this  stanza  to  the  "great  sign"  that 
appeared  in  heaven :  "  A  woman  clothed  with  the  sun,  and 
the  moon  under  her  feet,  and  on  her  head  a  crown  of  twelve 
stars"  (Apoc.  12,  1).  See  footnote  on  this  verse  of  the 
Apoc,  in  the  Douay  Bible.  Imperat:  "reigns  over"  in  the 
sense  that  she  is  styled — Queen  of  Angels,  Patriarchs, 
Prophets,  etc.,  in  the  Litany. 

S03 


PROPER  OF  SAINTS 
141  Te  gestientem  gaudiis 

TE  gestientem  gaudiis, 
Te  sauciam  doloribus, 
Te  jugi  amictam  gloria, 
0  Virgo  Mater  pangimus. 


'Ave,  redundans  gaudio 
Dum  concipis,  dum  visitas, 
Et  edis,  offers,  invenis, 
Mater  beata  Filium, 

'Ave,  dolens  et  intimo, 
In  corde  agonem,  verbera. 
Spinas,  crucemque  Filii 
Perpessa,  princeps  martyrura. 


*Ave,  in  triumphis  Filii, 
In  ignibus  Paraclyti, 
In  regni  honore  et  lumine, 
Regina  fulgens  gloria. 


^Venite  gentes,  carpite 
Ex  his  rosas  mysteriis, 
Et  pulchri  amoris  inclitae 
Matri  coronas  nectite. 


•Gloria  tibi  Domine, 
Qui  natus  es  de  Virgine 
Cum  Patre  et  Sancto  Spiritu 
In  sempiterna  saecula. 


THE   gladness   of   thy   Mother- 
hood, 
The  anguish  of  thy  suffering, 
The   glory   now   that  crowns  thy 

brow, 
0  Virgin-Mother,  we  would  sing. 

Hail,  blessed  Mother,  full  of  joy 
In  thy  consent,  thy  visit  too; 
Joy  in  the  birth  of  Christ  on  earth, 
Joy  in  Him  lost  and  found  anew. 

Hail,  sorrowing  in  His  agony — 
The  blows,  the  thorns  that  pierced 

His  brow; 
The    heavy    wood,    the    shameful 

Rood- 
Yea!  Queen  and  chief  of  Martyrs 

thou. 

Hail,  in  the  triumph  of  thy  Son, 
The  quickening  flames  of  Pente- 
cost; 
Shining  a  Queen  in  light  serene, 
When  all  the  world  is  tempest- 
tost. 

O  come,  ye  nations,  roses  bring. 
Culled      from      these      mysteries 

Divine, 
And  for  the  Mother  of  your  King 
With  loving  hands  your  chaplets 

twine. 

We  lay  our  homage  at  Thy  feet, 
Lord  Jesus,  Thou  the  Virgin's  Son, 
With  Father  and  with  Paraclete, 
Reigning  while  endless  ages  run. 


Author:  Father  Augustine  Ricchini,  O.P.,  18th.  cent. 
Meter:  Iambic  dimeter.  Translation  by  Abbot  Hunter- 
Blair,  O.S.B.  There  are  five  translations.  Liturgical 
Use:  Hymn  for  Second  Vespers  on  the  Feast  of  the  Holy 
Rosary.    Theme:  1st  stanza,  a  summary  of  the  three  sets 

304 


ST.  TERESA 

of  Mysteries ;  2nd  stanza,  a  summary  of  the  Joyful  Myster- 
ies; 3d  stanza,  the  Sorrowful  Mysteries;  4th  stanza,  the 
Glorious  Mysteries;  5th  stanza,  an  invitation  to  gather 
from  these  Mysteries  roses  and  weave  therefrom  a  crown 
for  the  glorious  Mother  of  fair  love. 

1.  ''We  sing  thee,  0  Virgin  Mother,  as  exulting  with 
joy,  wounded  with  sorrows,  and  robed  with  eternal  glory. ' ' 

2.  ''Hail,  Mother  overflowing  with  joy,  when  thou  didst 
conceive,  when  thou  didst  visit  thy  cousin  Elizabeth,  when 
thou  didst  give  birth  to  thy  Son,  when  thou  didst  offer  Him, 
and  find  Him  in  the  temple. ' ' 

3.  "Hail,  0  suffering  Queen  of  Martyrs,  thou  who  didst 
endure  in  thy  inmost  heart  the  agony,  the  scourging,  the 
thorns,  and  the  Cross  of  thy  Son. ' '  Agon,  onis,  lit.,  a  con- 
test or  combat.  The  reference  is  to  the  agony  in  the  Gar- 
den of  Gethsemani. 

4.  "Hail,  0  Queen  refulgent  with  glory  in  the  triumphs 
of  thy  Son,  in  the  fires  of  the  Paraclete,  in  the  honor  and 
splendor  of  the  heavenly  kingdom." 

5.  ' '  Come,  0  ye  nations,  cull  roses  from  these  Mysteries, 
and  weave  therefrom  garlands  for  the  glorious  Mother  of 
fair  love." 

ST.  TERESA 

Oct.  15 

142  Regis  superni  nuntia 

REGIS  superni  nuntia,  /^OD'S  messenger,  Theresa, 

Domum  paternam  deseris,         ^^   Thou     leav'st     thy     father's 
Terris  Teresa  barbarls  home 

Christum  datura,  aut  sanguinem.     To  bring  mankind  to  Jesus 

Or  gain  sweet  martyrdom. 

''Sed  te  manet  suavior  But  milder  death  awaits  thee, 

Mors,  poena  poscit  dulcior:  And  fonder  pains  are  thine, 

Divini  amoris  cuspide  God's  blessed  Angel  wounds  thee 

In  vulnus  iota  concides.  With  fire  of  love  divine. 

'  0  caritatis  victima !  Sweet  virgin,  love's  pure  victim, 

Tu  corda  nostra  concrema,  So  fire  our  souls  with  love, 

305 


PROPER  OF  SAINTS 

Tibique  gentes  creditas  And  lead  thy  trusting  people 

Averni  ab  igne  libera.  Safe  to  the  realms  above. 

*  Sit  laus  Patri  cum  Filio  Give  glory  to  the  Father, 

Et  Spiritu  Paraclito,  The  Spirit  and  the  Son, 

Tibique  sancta  Trinitas,  One  Trinity,  one  Godhead, 

Nunc,  et  per  omne  saeculura.  While  endless  ages  run. 


Author:  Pope  Urban  VIII  (1568-1644).  Meter:  Iambic 
dimeter.  Translation  by  D.  J.  Donahoe.  There  are  four 
translations.  Liturgical  Use:  Hymn  for  Vespers  and 
Matins.  St.  Teresa  (1515-1582)  was  an  illustrious  mem- 
ber of  the  Carmelite  Order.  A  brief  account  of  her  won- 
derful life  is  given  in  the  Cath.  Encycl.,  and  a  more  ex- 
tended biography  in  Butler's  Lives  of  the  Saints.  Note  the 
spelling:  Teresa,  Teresia,  Theresa. 

1.  **As  a  herald  of  the  heavenly  King,  thou  dost  leave, 
0  Teresa,  thy  father's  house  to  give  to  barbarous  lands 
either  Christ  or  thy  blood."  As  a  mere  child,  Teresa  and 
her  little  brother  actually  set  out  for  the  country  of  the 
Moors,  with  the  hope  of  dying  for  their  faith.  Much  to 
their  disappointment  they  were  intercepted  by  an  uncle 
and  restored  to  their  distracted  mother. 

2.  **But  a  sweeter  death  awaits  thee,  a  more  delightful 
pain  claims  thee:  pierced  even  unto  being  wounded  by  a 
shaft  of  divine  love,  thou  dost  fall."  This  stanza  refers 
to  the  Transverberation  of  the  Saint's  heart.  In  her  auto- 
biography she  tells  us  that  an  Angel  appeared  to  her,  and — 
*  *  He  had  in  his  hand  a  long  golden  dart,  and  at  the  end  of 
the  point  methought  there  was  a  little  fire;  and  I  con- 
ceived that  he  thrust  it  several  times  through  my  heart  and 
after  such  a  manner  that  it  passed  through  my  very  bow- 
els; and  when  he  drew  it  out,  methought  it  pulled  them 
out  with  it,  and  left  me  wholly  inflamed  with  a  great  love 
of  God"  (Butler's  Lives).  Her  body  is  still  preserved 
incorrupt  at  Alba  in  Spain,  and  **her  heart,  too,  showing 
the  marks  of  the  Transverberation  is  exposed  there  for  the 
veneration  of  the  faithful"  {Cath.  Encycl.) .  There  is  an 
Oflfice  and  Mass  in  honor  of  the  Transverberatio  Cordis  S. 
Teresice  (Aug.  27). 

306 


ST.  TERESA 

3.  "0  victim  of  love,  inflame  our  hearts,  and  deliver 
from  the  fires  of  hell  the  nations  entrusted  to  thee." 


143 


HcBC  est  dies 


TJtJEC  est  dies,  qua  candidae 
•■--■■  Instar  columbae,  coelitum 
Ad  sacra  templa  spiritus 
Se  transtulit  Teresiae. 

^Sponsique  voces  audiit: 
Veni  soror  de  vertice 
Carmeli  ad  Agni  nuptias: 
Veni  ad  coronam  gloriae. 


^Te  sponse  Jesu  Virginum 
Beati  adorent  ordines, 
Et  nuptiali  cantico 
Laudent  per  omne  saeculum. 


BEHOLD  the  blessed  morning, 
When,  like  a  snow-white  dove, 
Thy  soul  arose,  Theresa, 
To  join  the  choirs  above. 

The     Bridegroom     calls:     "From 

Carmel 
Come,  sister,  unto  me, 
Partake  the  Lamb's  high  nuptials; 
Thy  crown  awaiteth  thee." 

0  Jesus,  tender  Bridegroom 
By  holy  virgin  throngs 
Be  evermore  surrounded. 
Be  praised  in  endless  songs. 


Author:  Pope  Urban  VIII  (1568-1644).  Meter:  Iambic 
dimeter.  Translation  by  D.  J.  Donahoe.  There  are  five 
translations.  Liturgical  Use:  Hymn  for  Lauds  on  the 
Feast  of  St.  Teresa. 

1.  "This  is  the  day  on  which  the  soul  of  Teresa  like  a 
shining  white  dove  betook  itself  to  the  sacred  temples  of  the 
Blessed."  Instar,  with  genitive,  like  to,  after  the  fashion 
of.    Columbce,  the  dove  is  a  symbol  of  innocence  and  purity. 

2.  '*And  she  heard  the  voice  of  the  Bridegroom:  'Come, 
Sister,  from  the  heights  of  Carmel  to  the  nuptials  of  the 
Lamb;  come  to  receive  a  crown  of  glory.'  "  Veni  (ad 
suscipiendam)  coronam  glorias.  The  Carmelite  order  was 
founded  on  Mount  Carmel  in  Palestine  in  1156.  For  an 
explanation  of  the  term  ''nuptials  of  the  Lamb,"  read  St. 
Teresa's  own  interpretation  of  mystical  marriage  quoted 
in  the  article  on  Marriage,  Mystical,  in  the  Cath.  Encycl. 

3.  "0  Jesus,  Spouse  of  Virgins,  may  the  heavenly  choirs 
adore  Thee,  and  with  nuptial  song  praise  Thee  forever." 


307 


144 


PROPER  OF  SAINTS 
ST.  JOHN  CANTIUS 

Oct.  20 

Gentis  Polonce 


GENTIS  Polonae  gloria, 
Clerique   splendor   nobilis, 
Decus  Lycaei,  et  patriae 
Pater,  Joannes  inclyte. 


^  Legem  superni  Numinis 
Doces  magister,  et  facis. 
Nil  scire  prodest:  sedulo 
Legem  nitamur  exsequi. 


^Apostolorum  limina 
Pedes  viator  visitas; 
Ad  patriam,  ad  quam  tendimus, 
Gressus  viamque  dirige. 


*Urbem  petis  Jerusalem: 
Signata  sacro  sanguine 
Christi  colis  vestigia, 
Rigasque  fusis  fletibus. 


'^Acerba  Christi  vulnera, 
Hserete   nostris   cordibus, 
Ut  cogitemus  consequi 
Redemptionis  pretium. 


•Te  prona  mundi  machina, 
Clemens  adoret  Trinitas, 
Et  nos  novi  per  gratiam 
Novum  canamus  canticum. 


0  GLORY  of  the  Polish  race, 
0    splendor    of    the    priestly 
band, 
Whose  lore  did  thy  Lyceimi  grace, 
John,  father  of  the  fatherland. 

The  Law  of  the  supernal  Will 
Thou  teachest  both  in  word  and 

deed; 
Knowledge    is    naught — we    must 

fulfill 
Li  works,  not  barren  words,  our 

creed ! 

On  foot  to  Apostolic  Rome 
Thy  pilgrim  spirit  joyful  hied; 
Oh,  to  our  everlasting  home 
The    path    declare,    the    footstep 
guide ! 

Again,  in  Sion's  holy  street. 
Anew    thou    wet'st    with    tearful 

flood 
The  pathway  of  the  Saviour's  feet 
Erst     wet     with     His     redeeming 

Blood. 

0    sweet    and    bitter    Wounds    of 

Christ, 
Deep  in  our  hearts  imprinted  stay. 
That  the  blest  fruit  the  sacrificed 
Redeemer  gained,  be  ours  for  aye! 

Then  let  the  world  obeisance  due 
Perform,    0    God,    to    Thy    high 

Will; 
And  let  our  souls,  by  grace  made 

new. 
Sing  to  Thee  a  new  canticle! 


Author:  Unknown,  18th  cent.  Meter:  Iambic  dimeter, 

308 


ST.  JOHN  CANTIUS 

Translation  by  Monsignor  Henry.  There  are  five  trans- 
lations. Liturgical  Use  :  Vespers  hymn.  There  is  a  short 
biography  of  John  Cantius,  St.  (1412-1473),  in  the  Cath. 
Encycl. 

1.  "Illustrious  John,  the  glory  of  the  Polish  race,  and 
the  noble  ornament  of  the  priesthood,  the  glory  of  thy  Uni- 
versity and  the  father  of  thy  country!"  Lyccei:  the  Uni- 
versity of  Cracow  in  which  St.  John  was  a  professor  of 
theology.  A  brief  history  of  the  University  is  given  at  the 
end  of  the  article  on  Cracow,  in  the  Cath.  Encycl. 

2.  **As  teacher  thou  dost  both  teach  and  observe  the 
Law  of  the  Heavenly  Divinity:  to  know  availeth  not;  we 
must  diligently  strive  to  fulfil  the  Law." 

3.  *'A  traveler  on  foot  thou  dost  visit  the  tombs  of  the 
Apostles:  to  our  true  country  which  we  seek,  direct  thou 
our  steps  and  our  way."  Limen,  a  threshold;  Limina 
Apostolorum,  an  ecclesiastical  term  meaning  a  pilgrimage 
to  the  sepulchers  of  SS.  Peter  and  Paul  in  Rome.  St.  Peter 
rests  in  the  great  church  bearing  his  name,  and  St.  Paul 
in  the  Basilica  of  St.  Paul  '^ outside  the  walls."  Pedes, 
itis,  adj.,  on  foot.  Pedes  viator,  a  pilgrim.  St.  John  made 
four  pilgrimages  to  Rome  on  foot.  He  also  made  a  pil- 
grimage to  Jerusalem. 

4.  *'Thou  dost  visit  the  city  of  Jerusalem,  and  dost 
venerate  the  footprints  marked  with  the  Sacred  Blood  of 
Christ,  and  thou  dost  bedew  them  with  abundant  tears." 

5.  ''0  bitter  Wounds  of  Christ,  be  ye  deeply  implanted 
in  our  hearts,  that  we  may  be  ever  mindful  to  seek  earnestly 
the  reward  of  our  redemption. ' ' 

6.  **0  loving  Trinity,  may  the  whole  fabric  of  the  uni- 
verse prostrate  adore  Thee,  and  we,  renewed  by  Thy  grace, 
would  sing  Thee  a  new  song  of  praise. ' ' 

145  Corpus  domas  jejuniis 

CORPUS  domas  jejuniis,  T  ONG    fasting   hath    thy    body 

Caedis  cruento  verbere,  •"-'       tamed, 

Ut  castra  pcenitentiimi  With  many  cruel  stripes  it  bleeds, 

Miles  sequaris  innocens.  Though      innocence      exemption 

claimed 
For  thee  from  penitential  deeds. 

309 


PROPER  OF  SAINTS 


^Sequamur  et  nos  sedulo 
Gressus  parentis  optimi, 
Sequamur,  ut  licentiam 
Carnis  refrasnet  spiritus. 

'Rigente  bruma,  providum 
Praebes  amictum  pauperi, 
Sitim  famemque  egentiiun 
Esca  potuque  sublevas. 


*0  qui  negasti  nemini 
Opera  roganti,  patrium 
Regnum  tuere,  postulant 
Gives  Poloni,  et  exteri. 


'Sit  laus  Patri,  sit  Filio, 
Tibique,  sancte  Spiritus; 
Preces  Joannis  impetrent 
Beata  nobis  gaudia. 


Then  let  us  follow  in  the  path 
Of  John,  our  father  and  our  guide ; 
Who  follows  him,  his  spirit  hath 
The  power  to  curb  all  carnal  pride. 

In  winter's  frost  thy  loving  care 
Provides  a  garment  for  the  poor; 
For    those    who    want    thou    dost 

prepare 
Of  meat  and  drink  a  copious  store. 

0  thou  who  never  didst  deny 
Thine    aid    unto    the    suppliant's 

prayer, 
Hear  Christendom's  and  Poland's 

cry. 
And     save     thy     country     from 

despair. 

Now  let  us  chant  in  glad  refrain 
Unto  the  Triune  God  our  praise: 
O  may  the  prayers  of  John  obtain 
Blest  joys  for  us  in  endless  days. 


Author:  Unknown,  18th  cent.  Meter:  Iambic  dimeter. 
Translation  by  Father  Wallace,  O.S.B.  There  are  four 
translations.  Liturgical  Use:  Hymn  for  Matins  on  the 
Feast  of  St.  John  Cantius. 

1.  ''Thou  didst  subdue  thy  body  with  fasts,  and  with 
bloody  blows  didst  lacerate  it,  that  as  an  innocent  soldier 
thou  mightest  follow  the  army  of  penitents." 

2.  "Let  us  also  follow  diligently  in  the  footsteps  of  the 
good  father:  let  us  follow,  that  the  spirit  may  restrain 
the  licentiousness  of  the  flesh." 

3.  "During  the  cold  winter  thou  offerest  to  the  poor  the 
kindly  provided  garment,  and  with  food  and  drink  thou 
dost  alleviate  the  thirst  and  hunger  of  the  needy."  St. 
John  not  only  gave  away  his  food  and  clothing,  but  on  one 
occasion  at  least  he  even  gave  away  his  shoes  and  walked 
home  barefooted  (Matins,  Lectio  V). 

4.  "0  thou  who  didst  refuse  assistance  to  no  one  asking 
for  it,  the  Polish  nation  and  strangers  beseech  thee  that 
thou  protect  thy  native  kingdom." 

310 


ST.  JOHN  CANTIUS 

5.  '*  Glory  be  to  the  Father,  and  to  the  Son,  and  to  Thee, 
Holy  Spirit :  may  the  prayers  of  John  obtain  for  us  blessed 
joys." 


146 


Te  deprecante,  corporum 


TE  deprecante,  corporum 
Lues  recedit,  iraprobi 
Morbi  fugantur,  pristina 
Redeunt  salutis  munera. 


^Phthisi,  febrique,  et  ulcere 
Diram  redactos  ad  necem, 
Sacratis  morti  victimas, 
Ejus  rapis  e  faucibus. 


'Te  deprecante,  tumido 
Merces  abactae  flumine, 
Tractas  Dei  potentia 
Sursura  fluunt  retrogradae. 


*Cum  tanta  possis,  sedibus 
Cceli  locatus,  poscimus: 
Responde  votis  supplicura, 
Et  invocatus  subveni. 


""O  una  semper  Trinitas, 
0  trina  semper  Unitas: 
Da,  supplicante  Cantio, 
Sterna  nobis  preemia. 


WHEN    thou    dost    pray    thy 
mighty  prayer, 
Disorders  flee,  and  plagues  abate. 
And  bodies,  wasting  in  disease, 
Regain    at    once    their    healthful 
state. 

When  phthisis,  fevers,  ulcers  dire, 
Have  brought  men  to  their  latest 

breath, 
When  they  are  mourned  as  victims 

doomed. 
Thou  tak'st  them  from  the  jaws  of 

death. 

Thou  pray'st;    and  goods,   which 

down  the  stream 
Are  hurried  on  at  headlong  pace. 
Drawn    by    the    mighty    hand    of 

God, 
Float  upwards,  and  their  source 

retrace. 

Do  thou,  who  canst  such  wonders 

work. 
Now  from  thy  throne  in  heaven 

deign 
To  listen  to  our  suppliant  prayers, 
That    we    may    answering    help 

obtain. 

0  Trinity  forever  One, 
0  Unity  forever  Trine, 
That  we  may  gain  eternal  joys. 
To    Cantius'    prayer    Thine    ear 
incline. 


Author:  Unknown,  18th  cent.  Meter:  Iambic  dimeter. 
Translation  by  Archbishop  Bagshawe;  this  is  a  good 
specimen  of  Bagshawe 's  style.    There  are  five  translations. 


311 


PROPER  OF  SAINTS 

Liturgical  Use  :  Hymn  for  Lauds  on  the  Feast  of  St.  John 
Cantius. 

1.  *'At  thy  prayer  bodily  sickness  departs,  dreadful 
plagues  are  put  to  flight,  former  blessings  of  health  re- 
turn." 

2.  ''Thou  dost  snatch  from  his  very  jaws  the  victims 
devoted  to  death — those  brought  nigh  to  a  dire  death  by 
consumption,  fever,  and  ulcer." 

3.  ''At  thy  prayer,  goods  carried  away  by  a  swollen 
stream,  are,  by  the  mighty  hand  of  God,  drawn  backwards, 
floating  up  the  stream." 

4.  ' '  Since  thou,  now  dwelling  in  the  mansions  of  heaven, 
art  able  to  do  such  wonders,  we  ask  that  thou  give  heed  to 
the  prayers  of  thy  suppliants,  and  aid  them  when  invoked. ' ' 

5.  "  0  Trinity  forever  One,  0  Unity  forever  Three :  grant 
ua  through  the  intercession  of  Cantius  an  eternal  reward. ' ' 

FEAST  OF  ALL  SAINTS 

Nov.  1 


147 


Placare,  Christe,  servuUs 


PLACARE,  Christe,  servuHs, 
Quibus  Patris  clementiam 
Tuas  ad  tribunal  gratiae 
Patrona  Virgo  postulat. 


*Et  vos  beata,  per  novem 
Distincta  gyros  agtnina, 
Antiqua  cum  praesentibus, 
Futura  damna  pellite. 


0  CHRIST,  Thy  guilty  people 
spare! 
Lo,    kneeling     at    Thy     gracious 

throne, 
Thy     Virgin-Mother     pours     her 

prayer. 
Imploring  pardon  for  her  own. 

Ye  Angels,  happy  evermore! 
Who  in  your  circles  nine  ascend. 
As  ye  have  guarded  us  before. 
So    still    from    harm    our    steps 
defend. 


^Apostoli  cum  Vatibus, 
Apud  severum  Judicem, 
Veris  reorum  fletibus 
Exposcite  indulgentiam. 


Ye  Prophets  and  Apostles  high! 
Behold  our  penitential  tears; 
And  plead  for  us  when  death  is 

nigh, 
And     our     all-searching     Judge 

appears. 


312 


ALL  SAINTS 


*Vo9  purpurati  Martyres, 
Vos  candidati  praemio 
Confessionis,  exsules 
Vocate  nos  in  patriam. 


°  Chorea  casta  Virginum, 
Et  quos  eremus  incolas 
Transmisit  astris,  coelitum 
Locate  nos  in  sedibus. 


•  Auferte  g«item  perfidam 
Credentium  de  finibus, 
Ut  unus  omnes  unicum 
Ovile  nos  pastor  regat. 


^  Deo  Patri  sit  gloria, 
Natoque  Patris  unico, 
Sancto  simul  Paraclito, 
In  sempiterna  saecula. 


Ye  Martyrs  all!  a  purple  band, 
And    Confessors,    a    white-robed 

train ; 
Oh,  call  us  to  our  native  land. 
From  this  our  exile,  back  again. 

And    ye,    0    choirs    of    Virgins 

chaste! 
Receive  us  to  your  seats  on  high; 
With    Hermits    whom    the    desert 

waste 
Sent  up  of  old  into  the  sky. 

Drive    from   the    flock,    0    Spirit 

blest! 
The  false  and  faithless  race  away; 
That  all  within  one  fold  may  rest. 
Secure    beneath    one    Shepherd's 

sway. 

To  God  the  Father  glory  be. 
And  to  His  sole-begotten  Son; 
And  glory,  Holy  Ghost,  to  Thee, 
While  everlasting  ages  run. 


Author:  Ascribed  to  Rabanus  Maurus  (776-856). 
Meter:  Iambic  dimeter.  Translation  by  Father  Caswall. 
There  are  seven  translations.  Liturgical.  Use  :  Hymn  for 
Vespers.  First  line  of  Original  Text:  Christe  Redemptor 
omnium. 

1.  '*Be  merciful,  0  Christ,  to  Thy  servants,  for  whom 
the  Virgin-Patroness  implores  the  mercy  of  the  Father  at 
the  throne  of  Thy  grace." 

2.  *'And  ye,  0  blessed  hosts,  divided  into  nine  circles 
(choirs),  drive  away  past,  present,  and  future  evils." 

3.  **Ye  Apostles,  together  with  the  Prophets,  earnestly 
entreat  forgiveness  of  the  severe  Judge,  on  account  of  the 
sincere  tears  of  the  guilty. ' ' 

4.  ''Ye  purple-robed  Martyrs,  and  ye  who  are  white- 
robed  on  account  of  your  confession,  call  us  exiles  to  our 
native  land."  Confessionis:  Confessors  "confess  their 
faith ' '  by  the  practice  of  heroic  virtue.  Read  the  article  on 
Confessor,  in  the  Cath.  Encycl.  Candidatus,  the  Saints  in 
general  are  styled  "white-robed"  (Cf.  Apoc.  7,  9-14). 

313 


PROPER  OF  SAINTS 

5.  **Ye  chaste  choir  of  Virgins,  and  ye  whom  the  desert 
waste  hath  sent  as  dwellers  to  heaven,  establish  us  in  the 
mansions  of  the  Blessed." 

6.  "Drive  away  the  faithless  race  from  the  land  of  the 
faithful,  that  one  Shepherd  may  rule  over  us  all  as  over 
one  fold." 

''When  the  celebration  of  All  Saints  was  extended  to 
the  Frankish  empire  in  825,  after  having  been  observed  in 
Rome  for  two  centuries,  and  its  celebration  fixed  on  the 
1st  of  November,  the  verse  Gentem  auferte  perfidam 
Credentium  de  finibus  was  added  to  the  hymn  with  refer- 
ence to  the  Normans  and  Saracens  who  were  laying  waste 
both  the  northwest  of  Gaul  and  the  south  of  Italy"  {The 
Roman  Breviary  its  Sources  and  History,  by  Dom  Jules 
Baudot,  O.S.B.,  p.  68). 


148 


Salutis  (Bternce  dator 


SALUTIS  aeternas  dator, 
Jesu,  redemptis  subveni: 
Virgo  parens  clementiae 
Dona  salutem  servulis. 


"Vos  Angelorum  millia, 
Patrumque  coetus,  agmina 
Canora  Vatum:  vos  reis 
Precamini  indulgentiam. 


^Baptista  Christi  praevius, 
Summique  coeli  Claviger, 
Cum  ceteris  Apostolis 
Nexus  resolvant  criminum. 


*Cohors  triumphans  Martyrum, 
Almus  Sacerdotum  chorus, 
Et  virginalis  castitas 
Nostros  reatus  abluant. 


GIVER  of  life,  eternal  Lord! 
Thy  own  redeemed  defend; 
Mother    of    grace!    thy    children 

save. 
And  help  them  to  the  end. 

Ye     thousand     thousand     Angel 

hosts ! 
Assist  us  in  our  need; 
Ye  Patriarchs!    with  the  Prophet 

choir ! 
For  our  forgiveness  plead. 

Forerunner  blest!  and  Thou  who 

still 
Dost  heaven's  dread  keys  retain! 
Ye  glorious  Apostles  all! 
Unloose  our  guilty  chain. 

Army  of  Martyrs!  holy  Priests 
In  beautiful  array! 
Ye  happy  troops  of  Virgins  chaste! 
Wash  all  our  stains  away. 


314 


ALL  SAINTS 

•''Quicumque  in  alta  siderum  All  ye  who  high  above  the  stars 

Regnatis  aula  principes,  In  heavenly  glory  reign! 

Favete  votis  supplicum,  May  we  through  your  prevailing 

Qui  dona  cceli  flagitant.  prayers 

Unto  your  joys  attain. 

*  Virtus,  honor,  laus,  gloria  Praise,  honor,  to  the  Father  be, 

Deo  Patri  cum  Filio,  Praise  to  His  only  Son; 

Sancto  simul  Paraclito,  Praise,  Holy  Paraclete,  to  Thee, 

In  sseculorum  saecula.  While  endless  ages  run. 

Author:  Ascribed  to  Rabanus  Maurus  (776-856). 
Meter:  Iambic  dimeter.  Translation  by  Father  Caswall. 
There  are  eight  translations.  First  two  lines  of  Original 
Text :  Jesu  Salvator  smculi  Redemptis  ope  suhveni.  There 
is  another  form  of  this  text  beginning :  F estiva  smclis  coli- 
tur.  Liturgical  Use:  Hymn  for  Lauds  on  the  Feast  of 
All  Saints. 

1.  *'0  Jesus,  giver  of  eternal  life,  aid  those  whom  Thou 
hast  redeemed :  0  Virgin,  Mother  of  mercy,  grant  salvation 
to  thy  servants."    Bona:  obtain  through  thy  intercession. 

2.  * '  0  ye  thousands  of  Angels,  ye  assembly  of  Patriarchs, 
and  melodious  host  of  Prophets,  ask  forgiveness  for  sin- 
ners." The  Prophets  are  called  canorous  or  melodious  on 
account  of  the  poetical  nature  of  the  language  they  fre- 
quently use. 

3.  "May  the  Baptist,  the  forerunner  of  Christ,  may  the 
key-bearer  of  heaven,  together  with  the  other  Apostles 
loosen  the  chains  of  our  sins."  The  key-bearer  is  St. 
Peter:  Et  tibi  dabo  claves  regni  ccelorum  (Matt.  16,  19). 

4.  "May  the  triumphant  host  of  Martyrs,  the  august 
ohoir  of  priests  and  virginal  chastity  wash  away  our  guilt. ' ' 
Virginalis  castitas  =  virgines  castae. 

5.  "All  ye  who  reign  as  princes  in  the  hi^  court  of 
heaven,  give  ear  to  the  prayers  of  the  suppliants  who  ask 
earnestly  for  the  gifts  of  heaven." 


315 


Part  IV 


tS^t  Common  of  tfie  i^atntK 
COMMON  OF  THE  BLESSED  VIRGIN  MARY 


149 

AVE  maris  Stella, 
Dei  Mater  alma, 
Atque  semper  Virgo, 
Felix  coeli  porta. 

^Sumens  illud  Ave 
Gabrielis  ore, 
Funda  nos  in  pace, 
Mutans  Hevae  nomen. 

'  Solve  vincla  reis. 
Prefer  lumen  caecis, 
Mala  nostra  pelle. 
Bona  cuncta  posce. 


*Monstra  te  esse  matrem, 
Smnat  per  te  preces, 
Qui  pro  nobis  natus, 
Tulit  esse  tuus. 

'Virgo  singularis. 
Inter  omnes  mitis, 
Nos  culpis  solutos 
Mites  fac  et  castos. 

*Vitam  praesta  puram, 
Iter  para  tutum, 
Ut  videntes  Jesum, 
Semper  collaetemur. 


Ave  Maris  Stella 


\  VE,  Star  of  Ocean, 
-^^  Child  Divine  who  barest. 
Mother,  Ever-Virgin, 
Heaven's  Portal  fairest. 

Taking  that  sweet  Ave 
Erst  by  Gabriel  spoken, 
Eva's  name  reversing, 
Be  of  peace  the  token. 

Break  the  sinners'  fetters. 
Light  to  blind  restoring, 
All  our  ills  dispelling, 
Every  boon  imploring. 

Show  thyself  a  Mother 
In  thy  supplication; 
He  will  hear  who  chose  thee 
At  His  Incarnation. 

Maid  all  maids  excelling, 
Passing  meek  and  lowly. 
Win  for  sinners  pardon, 
Make  us  chaste  and  holy. 

As  we  onward  journey 
Aid  our  weak  endeavor. 
Till  we  gaze  on  Jesus 
And  rejoice  forever. 


317 


COMMON  OF  SAINTS 

'Sit  laus  Deo  Patri,  Father,  Son,  and  Spirit, 

Summo  Christo  decus.  Three  in  One  confessing, 

Spiritui  sancto,  Give  we  equal  glory 

Tribus  honor  unus.  Equal  praise  and  blessing. 

Author  :  Unknown.  It  is  at  least  as  old  as  the  9th  cent. 
Meter:  Trochaic  dimeter,  each  verse  being  composed  of 
three  trochees.  There  are  nineteen  translations,  two  of 
which  are  given  here.  Liturgical  Use:  Vespers  hymn  on 
Feasts  of  Our  Lady. 

The  fine  translation  given  above  was  made  by  Mr.  Athel- 
stan  Riley,  M.A.,  for  his  translation  of  the  Hours  of  the 
Blessed  Virgin  Mary,  ''Little  Office,"  1891. 

The  beautiful  translation  given  below  is  from  the  pen 
of  the  Rev.  G.  R.  Woodward,  M.A.  It  is  a  new  transla- 
tion, and  by  the  kindess  of  its  author  it  is  here  published 
for  the  first  time. 

There  is  an  article  on  this  hymn  in  the  Cath.  Encycl. 

1.  ''Hail,  Star  of  the  Sea,  loving  Mother  of  God,  and 
Ever- Virgin,  happy  Gate  of  Heaven ! ' '  The  name  Mary  is 
derived  from  the  Hebrew  ' '  Miriam, ' '  which  signifies  ' '  Star 
of  the  Sea";  in  Chaldaic  it  means  "Lady."  Cceli  porta: 
By  her  powerful  intercession  with  her  Divine  Son  she 
opens  for  sinners  the  gates  of  heaven.  Ave:  Ave  gratia 
plena:  Dominus  tecum;  benedicta  tu  in  mulieribus  (Luke 
1,  28).  Read  the  first  of  the  two  articles  on  Anmmciation, 
in  the  Cath.  Encycl.    Of.  also  Luke  1,  26-38. 

2.  "Receiving  that  Ave  from  the  mouth  of  Gabriel,  es- 
tablish us  in  peace,  reversing  the  name  of  Eva."  Heva 
=  Eva,  which  "reversed"  gives  Ave. 

3.  "Break  the  chains  of  sinners,  give  light  to  the  blind, 
drive  away  evils,  ask  for  all  that's  good."  Vincla  for 
vincula.  Ccecis,  to  those  who  are  spiritually  blind,  who 
have  eyes  and  see  not  (cf.  Ps.  134,  16). 

4.  ' '  Show  thyself  to  be  a  Mother ;  through  thee  may  He 
receive  our  prayers — He  who,  born  for  us,  deigned  to  be 
thy  Son."    Tuus  (Filius). 

5.  "Virgin  all-excelling,  meek  above  all  others,  make  us, 
freed  from  sin,  meek  and  chaste." 

6.  "Preserve  our  life  unspotted,  make  safe  our  way, 
that,  seeing  Jesus,  we  may  rejoice  together  forever." 

318 


THE  BLESSED  VIRGIN  MARY 

7.  **To  God  the  Father  be  praise,  to  Christ  most  high 
be  glory,  and  to  the  Holy  Spirit,  to  the  Three  be  one 
honor."      Vnus,  equal,  the  same. 

149B  Ave  Maris  Stella 

HAIL,  Sea-Star  we  name  thee, 
Ever-Maid  acclaim  thee, 
God  His  Mother,  Portal 
To  the  life  immortal. 

Ave  was  the  token 
By  the  Angel  spoken: 
Peace  on  earth  it  telleth, 
EvcCs  name  re-spelleth. 

Free  the  worldly-minded 
Luminate  the  blinded. 
Every  ill  repressing. 
Win  us  every  blessing. 

Plead,  and  play  the  Mother! 
He  will,  and  none  other. 
Born  for  our  salvation. 
Hear  thy  supplication. 

Maiden  meek  and  lowly, 
Singularly  holy. 
Loose  the  sins  that  chain  us; 
Sanctify,  sustain  us. 

Help  us  live  in  pureness, 
Smooth   our  way  with  sureness. 
Till  we  also  eye  Thee, 
Jesu,  ever  nigh  Thee. 

Father,  Son,  we  bless  Thee, 
Likewise  do  confess  Thee, 
Holy  Spirit,  Trinal, 
Onely,  first  and  final, 

150  Quern  terra,  pontus,  sidera 


Q 


UEM  terra,  pontus,  sidera         T^HE  God  whom  earth,  and  sea, 
Colunt,  adorant,  praedicant         -■-        and  sky 

Adore,  and  laud,  and  magnify, 

319 


COMMON  OF  SAINTS 


Trinam  regentem  machinam, 
Claustrum  Marise  bajulat. 


^  Cui  luna,  sol,  et  omnia 
Deserviunt  per  tempora, 
Perfusa  coeli  gratia, 
Gestant  puellae  viscera. 


'  Beata  Mater  munere, 
Cujus  supernus  artifex 
Mundum  pugillo  continens, 
Ventris  sub  area  clausus  est. 


*  Beata  coeli  nuntio, 
Fcecunda  sancto  Spiritu, 
Desideratus  gentibus, 
Cujus  per  alvum  fusus  est. 


'Jesu  tibi  sit  gloria, 
Qui  natus  es  de  Virgine, 
Cum  Patre,  et  almo  Spiritu 
In  sempiterna  saecula. 


Who  o'er  their  threefold  fabric 
reigns, 

The  Virgin's  spotless  womb  con- 
tains. 

The  God,  whose  will  by  moon  and 

sun 
And  all  things  in  due  course  is 

done, 
Is  borne  upon  a  Maiden's  breast, 
By  fullest  heavenly  grace  possest, 

How  blest  that  Mother,  in  whose 

shrine 
The  great  Artificer  Divine, 
Whose    hand    contains   the    earth 

and  sky. 
Vouchsafed,  as  in  His  ark,  to  lie. 

Blest,    in    the    message    Gabriel 

brought; 
Blest,    by    the    work    the    Spirit 

wrought ; 
From  whom  the  Great  Desire  of 

earth 
Took    human    flesh    and    human 

birth. 

All  honor,  laud,  and  glory  be, 
0  Jesu,  Virgin-born  to  Thee; 
All  glory,  as  is  ever  meet, 
To  Father  and  to  Paraclete. 


Author:  Ascribed  to  Fortunatus  (530-609).  Meter: 
Iambic  dimeter.  Translation  by  J.  M.  Neale.  There  are 
eighteen  translations.  Liturgical  Use:  Hymn  for  Matins 
on  Feasts  of  the  Blessed  Virgin  which  have  no  proper  hymn 
for  Matins.  The  Original  Text  has  cethera  for  sidera  in  the 
first  line.  This  is  the  only  point  of  difference  between  the 
Original  and  the  Revised  Texts.  The  hymn  for  Lauds  is  a 
continuation  of  this  hymn.  The  texts  differ  in  several  in- 
stances. 

1.  *'The  womb  of  Mary  carried  the  Ruler  of  the  triple 
kingdom,  Him,  whom  earth,  and  sea,  and  sky  honor,  adore 
and  praise."    Trina  machina  may  refer  either  to  ** terra, 

320 


THE  BLESSED  VIRGIN  MARY 

pontus,  sethera,"  or  to  the  threefold  rule  of  Christ  over 
"those  that  are  in  heaven,  on  earth,  or  under  the  earth" 
(Philip.  2,  10).  Claustrum,  lit.,  a  bolt,  bar;  by  meton.,  an 
enclosure. 

2.  "The  womb  of  a  Virgin,  filled  with  the  grace  of 
Heaven,  bears  Him  to  whom  the  moon  and  sun  and  all 
things  are,  at  all  times,  subject."  Spiritus  Sanctus  super- 
veniet  in  te,  et  virtus  Altissimi  obumbrabit  tibi  (Luke  1, 
35). 

3.  "0  Mother,  blessed  by  a  (singular)  gift,  in  the  ark  of 
whose  womb  was  enclosed  the  heavenly  Creator,  who  holds 
the  universe  in  the  hollow  of  His  hand."  Munus,  the  singu- 
lar privilege  of  being  the  Mother  of  God.  Mundum  pugillo 
continens:  Quis  mensus  est  pugillo  aquas,  et  coelos  palmo 
ponderavit?  quis  appendit  tribus  digitis  molem  terrse, 
et  libravit  in  pondere  montes,  et  colles  in  statera?  (Is.  40, 
12).    Constr. :  Sub  cujus  area  ventris  clausus  est. 

4.  "Blessed  by  the  message  of  Heaven,  overshadowed 
by  the  Holy  Spirit,  out  of  whose  womb  came  forth  the  De- 
sired of  Nations."  Nuntium,  i,  a  message;  here,  the  An- 
nunciation (Luke  1,  26-38).  Desideratus  gentihus:  Et 
veniet  Desideratus  cunctis  gentibus  (Aggeus  2,  8). 

151  O  gloriosa  virginum 

OGLORIOSA  virginura,  r\    GLORIOUS   Lady!    throned 

Sublimis  inter  sidera,  ^^       on  high 

Qui  te  creavit,  parvulum  Above  the  star-illumined  sky; 

Lactente  nutris  ubere.  Thereto  ordained,  thy  bosom  lent 

To  thy  Creator  nourishment. 

*Quod  Heva  tristis  abstulit.  Through  thy  sweet  Offspring  we 

Tu  reddis  almo  germine:  receive 

Intrent  ut  astra  flebiles,  The     bliss     once     lost     through 

Ceeli  recludis  cardines.  hapless  Eve; 

And  heaven  to  mortals  open  lies 
Now  thou  art  Portal  of  the  skies. 

'Tu  regis  alti  janua,  Thou    art   the    Door    of   heaven's 

Et  aula  lucis  fulgida:  high  King, 

Light's  Gateway  fair  and  glister- 
ing; 
321 


COMMON  OF  SAINTS 


Vitam  datam  per  Virginem 
Gentes  redemptae  plaudite. 


*Jesu,  tibi  sit  gloria. 
Qui  natus  es  de  Virgine, 
Cum  Patre,  et  almo  Spiritu 
In  sempiterna  saecula. 


Life  through  a  Virgin  is  restored; 
Ye  ransomed  nations,  praise  the 
Lord! 

All  honor,  laud,  and  glory  be, 
0  Jesu,  Virgin-born,  to  Thee; 
All  glory,  as  is  ever  meet. 
To  Father  and  to  Paraclete. 


This  hymn  is  a  continuation  of  the  preceding  hymn. 
Translation  by  J.  W.  Doran  and  M.  J.  Blacker.  There  are 
fourteen  translations.  Liturgical  Use:  Hymn  for  Lauds 
on  Feasts  of  Our  Lady.  First  line  of  Original  Text:  0 
gloriosa  Femina  (or  Domina). 

1.  **0  most  glorious  of  Virgins,  the  most  exalted  among 
the  Blessed,  Him  who  created  thee  thou  didst  nourish  as 
a  Child  at  thy  maternal  breast."  Sidera,  all  created 
heavenly  beings. 

2.  "What  hapless  Eve  deprived  us  of,  thou,  by  thy  be- 
loved Offspring,  didst  restore:  that  those  who  weep  may 
enter  heaven,  open  thou  the  door  thereof."  Car  do,  a  hinge, 
by  synec,  a  door,  gate. 

3.  "Thou  art  the  Door  of  the  great  King,  the  refulgent 
Hall  of  light:  sing,  0  redeemed  nations,  the  Life  given  us 
through  a  Virgin."  Vitam  =  Christum.  Plaudite,  ap- 
plaud, here  used  transitively. 


152 


Memento,  rerum  Conditor 


MEMENTO,  rerum  Conditor, 
Nostri  quod  olim  corporis, 
Sacrata  ab  alvo  Virginis 
Nascendo  formam  sumpseris. 


'Maria  Mater  gratiae, 
Dulcis  Parens  clementiae, 
Tu  nos  ab  hoste  protege, 
Et  mortis  hora  suscipe. 


REMEMBER,  0  Creator  Lord, 
That   in  the   Virgin's   sacred 
womb 
Thou  wast  conceived,  and  of  her 

flesh 
Didst  our  mortality  assume. 

Mother  of  grace,  0  Mary  blest. 
To  thee,  sweet  fount  of  love,  we 

fly; 

Shield  us  through  life,  and  take 

us  hence 
To  thy  dear  bosom  when  we  die. 


822 


APOSTLES  AND  EVANGELISTS 


'Jesu,  tibi  sit  gloria, 
Qui  natus  es  de  Virgine, 
Cum  Patre,  et  almo  Spiritu, 
In  sempiterna  ssecula. 


O  Jesu,  born  of  Virgin  bright, 
Immortal  glory  be  to  Thee; 
Praise  to  the  Father  infinite, 
And  Holy  Ghost  eternally. 


This  hymn  is  from  the  Little  Office  of  the  Blessed  Virgin. 
The  first  stanza  is  from  Hymn  38 ;  the  second  is  a  continua- 
tion of  the  two  preceding  hymns.  Meter:  Iambic  dimeter. 
Translation  by  Father  Caswall. 

1.  ''Remember,  O  Creator  of  the  world,  that  Thou  didst 
once  assume  the  form  of  our  body,  by  being  born  of  the 
sacred  womb  of  a  Virgin." 

2.  **Mary,  Mother  of  grace,  sweet  Mother  of  mercy,  pro- 
tect us  from  the  enemy,  and  receive  us  in  the  hour  of 
death." 


COMMON  OF  APOSTLES  AND  EVANGELISTS 


153 


OUT  OP  EASTERTmE 


Exultet  orbis  gaudiis 


EXULTET  orbis  gaudiis: 
Ccelum  resultet  laudibus: 
Apostolorum  gloriam 
Tellus  et  astra  concinimt. 


'Vos  saeculorum  judices, 
Et  vera  mundi  lumina: 
Votis  precamur  cordium, 
Audite  voces  supplicum. 


'Qui  templa  coeli  clauditis, 
Serasque  verbo  solvitis, 
Nos  a  reatu  noxios 
Solvi  jubete,  quaesumus. 


NOW    let   the   earth    with    joy 
resound, 
And    heaven    the    chant    re-echo 

round ; 
Nor  heaven  nor  earth  too  high  can 

raise 
The      great     Apostles'      glorious 
praise. 

0  ye  who,  throned  in  glory  dread, 
Shall    judge   the    living   and    the 

dead. 
Lights  of  the  world  forevermore! 
To  you  the  suppliant  prayer  we 

pour. 

Ye  close  the  sacred  gates  on  high; 
At  your  command  apart  they  fly: 
Oh!  loose  for  us  the  guilty  chain 
We  strive  to  break,  and  strive  in 


vam. 


323 


COMMON  OF  SAINTS 

*  Prascepta  quorum  protinus  Sickness    and   health   your   voice 
Languor  salusque  sentiunt:  obey; 

Sanate  mentes  languidas;  At  your  command  they  go  or  stay: 

Augete  nos  virtutibus.  From     sin's     disease     our     souls 

restore; 
In    good    confirm    us    more    and 
more. 

"  Ut,  cum  redibit  arbiter  So  when  the  world  is  at  its  end, 

In  fine  Christus  saeculi,  And    Christ    to    judgment    shall 

Nos  sempiterni  gaudii  descend, 

Concedat  esse  compotes.  May  we  be   called  those  joys  to 

see 
Prepared  from  all  eternity. 

*  Patri,  simulque  Filio,  Praise  to  the  Father,  with  the  Son, 
Tibique  sancte  Spiritus,  And  Holy  Spirit,  Three  in  One; 
Sicut  fuit,  sit  jugiter  As  ever  was  in  ages  past, 
Sseclum  per  omne  gloria.  And  so  shall  be  while  ages  last. 

Author:  Unknown,  10th  cent.  Meter:  Iambic  dimeter. 
Translation  by  Father  Caswall.  There  are  ten  transla- 
tions. Liturgical  Use:  Hymn  for  Vespers  and  Lauds. 
First  line  of  Original  Text :  Exultet  caelum  laudibus.  For 
the  hymns  of  the  Apostles  and  Evangelists  in  Eastertide, 
see  Hymns  63  and  64. 

1.  **Let  the  earth  exult  with  joy,  let  the  heavens  re- 
echo with  praise ;  earth  and  heaven  together  sing  the  glory 
of  the  Apostles." 

2.  '*Ye  judges  of  mankind  and  true  lights  of  the  world, 
we  beseech  you  with  the  yearnings  of  our  hearts :  give  ear 
to  the  prayers  of  your  suppliants."  Judices:  The  Apostles 
are  to  judge  the  world  (cf.  Matt.  19,  28).  Lumina:  Vos 
estis  lux  mundi  (Matt.  5,  14).  They  were  to  enlighten  by 
their  doctrine  a  world  sunk  in  the  darkness  of  sin  and  er- 
ror. 

3.  **Ye  who  close  the  heavenly  mansions,  and  with  a 
word  can  unfasten  their  bolts,  command,  we  beseech  you, 
that  we  sinners  be  freed  from  our  guilt."  Sera,  a  bar  or 
bolt  for  fastening  a  door.  Quaecumque  alligaveritis  super 
terram,  erunt  ligata  et  in  cobIo:  et  quaBcumque  solveritis 
super  terram,  erunt  soluta  et  in  coelo  (Matt.  18,  18).  Nos: 
constr. — Jubete,  nos  noxios  solvi  a  reatu. 

324 


APOSTLES  AND  EVANGELISTS 

4.  **Ye  whose  commands  sickness  and  health  forthwith 
obey,  heal  our  languishing  souls,  enrich  us  with  virtues." 

5.  ' '  That  when  Christ  shall  come  again,  as  Judge,  at  the 
end  of  the  world,  He  may  grant  that  we  become  possessed 
of  eternal  happiness." 


154 


Sterna  Christi  munera 


AETERNA  Christi  munera, 
Apostolorum  gloriam, 
Palmas  et  hymnos  debit03 
Lsetis  canamus  mentibus. 


*  Ecclesiarum  Principes, 
Belli  triumphales  duces 
Coelestis  aulae  milites, 
Et  vera  mundi  lumina. 


^Devota  sanctorum  fides, 
Invicta  spes  credentium, 
Perfecta  Christi  caritas 
Mimdi  tyrannum  conterit. 


*In  his  Paterna  gloria, 
In  his  triumphal  Filius, 
In  his  voluntas  Spiritus, 
Ccelum  repletur  gaudio. 

'Patri,  simulque  Filio, 
Tibique  sancte  Spiritus, 
Sicut  fuit,  sit  jugiter 
Sseclum  per  omne  gloria. 


THH'  eternal  gifts  of  Christ  the 
■*■        King, 

The  Apostles'  glory,  let  us  sing; 
And  all  with  hearts   of  gladness 

raise 
Due  hymns  of  thankful  love  and 

praise. 

For  they  the  Church's  Princes  are. 
Triumphant  leaders  in  the  war, 
The  heavenly  King's  own  warrior 

band, 
True  lights  to  lighten  every  land. 

Theirs  was  the  steadfast  faith  of 

Saints, 
The  hope  that  never   yields   nor 

faints, 
The  love  of  Christ  in  perfect  glow. 
That  lay  the  prince  of  this  world 

low. 

In  them  the  Father's  glory  shone, 
In  them  the  Spirit's  will  was  done, 
The  Son  Himself  exults  in  them; 
Joy  fills  the  new  Jerusalem. 

Praise  to  the  Father,  with  the  Son, 
And  Holy  Spirit,  Three  in  One; 
As  ever  was  in  ages  past, 
And  so  shall  be  while  ages  last. 


Author:  St.  Ambrose  (340-397).  Meter  t  Iambic 
dimeter.  Translation  based  on  Neale.  There  are  thirteen 
translations.  Liturgical  Use  :  Hymn  for  Matins  on  feasts 
of  the  Apostles  and  Evangelists.     This  hymn  was  origi- 

325 


COMMON  OF  SAINTS 

nally  written  for  feasts  of  Martyrs.  In  its  complete  form 
it  contained  eight  stanzas.  The  hymn  Christum  profusum 
sanguinem,  for  Martyrs  in  Paschaltide,  is  a  part  of  the 
Sterna  Christi  munera.  The  above  hynm  consists  of 
stanzas  1,  2,  6,  7,  of  the  original. 

1.  ''Let  us  sing  with  joyful  hearts  songs  of  triumph 
and  becoming  hymns,  let  us  sing  the  glory  of  the  Apostles, 
and  the  eternal  gifts  of  Christ.*'  The  construction  in  this 
stanza  is  unusual.  Canamus  is  the  predicate  of  the  whole 
stanza.    P almas:  fig.,  victories;  here,  hymns  of  victory. 

2.  ''They  are  the  princes  of  the  Church,  the  triumphant 
leaders  of  the  war,  the  soldiers  of  the  heavenly  court,  and 
the  true  lights  of  the  world." 

3.  "The  steadfast  faith  of  the  Saints,  the  unyielding 
hope  of  believers,  the  perfect  charity  of  Christ  trample 
under  foot  the  tyrant  of  the  world. ' '    Tyramnum,  the  devil. 

4.  "In  them  triumphs  the  glory  of  the  Father;  in  them 
triumphs  the  Son;  in  them  the  will  of  the  Holy  Spirit  is 
accomplished,  and  heaven  is  filled  with  joy. ' ' 


COMMON  OF  ONE  MARTYR 

OUT  OF  EASTERTmE 

155  Deus  tuorum  militum 

DEUS  tuorum  militum  r\  GOD,  of  those  that  fought  Thy 

Sors,  et  corona,  praemium,         ^-^       fight, 
Laudes  canentes  Martyris  Portion,  and  prize,  and  crown  of 

Absolve  nexu  criminis.  light, 

Break  every  bond  of  sin  and  shame 
As  now  we  praise  Thy  Martyr's 
name. 

*  Hie  nempe  mundi  gaudia,  He    recked    not    of    the    world's 

Et  blanda  fraudum  pabula  allure, 

Imbuta  f elle  deputans,  But  sin  and  pomp  of  sin  forswore : 

Pervenit  ad  coelestia.  Knew  all  their  gall,  and  passed 

them  by, 
And  reached  the  throne  prepared 
on  high. 

326 


ONE  MARTYR 

^  Poenas  cucurrit  f ortiter,  Bravely  the  course  of  pain  he  ran, 

Et  sustulit  viriliter,  And  bare  his  torments  as  a  man: 

Fundensque  pro  te  sanguinem,         For     love    of    Thee    his    blood 
Sterna  dona  possidet.  outpoured, 

And     thus     obtained     the     great 
reward. 

*  Ob  hoc  precatu  supplici  With  humble  voice  and  suppliant 

Te  poscimus,  piissime;  word 

In  hoc  triumpho  Martyris  We    pray    Thee    therefore,    holy 

Dimitte  noxam  servulis.  Lord, 

While  we  Thy  Martyr's  feast-day 

keep, 
Forgive    Thy    loved    and    erring 
sheep. 

^Laus  et  perennis  gloria  Glory  and  praise  for  aye  be  done 

Patri  sit,  atque  Filio,  To  God  the  Father,  and  the  Son, 

Sancto  simul  Paraclito,  And  Holy   Ghost,   who  reign  on 

In  sempiterna  saecula.  high. 

One  God,  to  all  eternity. 

Author!  Ambrosian,  6th  cent.  Metee:  Iambic  dimeter. 
Translation  by  Alan  G.  McDougall.  There  are  sixteen 
translations.  Liturgical  Use:  Hymn  for  Vespers.  There 
is  a  longer  form  of  this  hymn  in  thirty-two  lines.  The 
translations  are  practically  all  from  the  Roman  Breviary 
Text. 

1.  ''0  God,  Thou  who  art  the  portion,  the  crown,  and 
the  reward  of  Thy  soldiers,  absolve  from  the  chains  of  sin 
those  singing  the  praises  of  Thy  Martyr." 

2.  "He,  indeed,  regarding  as  imbued  with  bitterness  the 
joys  of  the  world  and  the  seductive  pleasures  of  sin,  hath 
attained  heavenly  joys."  Pabulum,  food;  anything  pleas- 
ing to  the  taste  or  senses. 

3.  "He  bravely  ran  the  way  of  torture,  and  suffered 
manfully;  and  shedding  his  blood  for  Thee,  he  now  pos- 
sesses Thy  eternal  gifts."  Poenas  cucurrit,  a  poetical 
constr.,  the  accusative  in  answer  to  the  question  whither. 

4.  "Wherefore  we  beseech  Thee,  most  loving  God,  with 
suppliant  prayer,  in  consequence  of  the  triumph  of  Thy 
Martyr,  forgive  Thy  servants'  sins."  Oh  hoc  =  quam  ob 
rem.    In  hoc  triumpho:  This  refers  to  the  feast  day  of  the 

327 


COMMON  OF  SAINTS 

Martyr;  the  hymn  is  sung  on  each  anniversary  of  the 
Martyr's  triumph. 


156 


Invicte  Martyr,  unicum 


INVICTE  Martyr,  unicum 
Patris  secutus  Filium, 
Victis  triumphas  hostibus, 
Victor  fruens  ccelestibus. 


*  Tui  precatus  munere 
Nostrum  reatum  dilue, 
Arcens  mali  contagium, 
Vitae  repellens  tsedium. 


^Soluta  sunt  jam  vincula 
Tui  sacrati  corporis: 
Nos  solve  yinclis  saeculi, 
Dono  superni  Numinis. 


*  Deo  Patri  sit  gloria, 
Ejusque  soli  Filio, 
Cum  Spiritu  Paraclitos 
Nunc,  et  per  omne  saeculum. 


MARTYR     of     God,      whose 
strength  was  steeled 
To  follow  close  God's  only  Son, 
Well  didst  thou  brave  thy  battle- 
field, 
And  well  thy  heavenly  bliss  was 
won! 

Now  join  thy  prayers  with  ours, 
who  pray 

That  God  may  pardon  us  and 
bless; 

For  prayer  keeps  evil's  plague 
away, 

And  draws  from  life  its  weari- 
ness. 

Long,  long  ago,  were  loosed  the 

chains 
That  held  thy  body  once  in  thrall; 
For  us  how  many  a  bond  remains ! 
0  love  of  God  release  us  all. 

All  praise  to  God  the  Father  be, 
All  praise  to  Thee,  Eternal  Son; 
All  praise,  O  Holy  Ghost,  to  Thee, 
While  never-ending  ages  run. 


Author:  Unknown,  10th  cent.  Meter:  Iambic  dimeter. 
Translation  by  Percy  Dearmer.  There  are  twelve  trans- 
lations. Liturgical  Use  :  Hymn  for  Lauds  in  the  Common 
of  one  Martyr.  First  line  of  Original  Text:  Martyr  Dei, 
qui  unicum. 

1.  **0  unconquered  Martyr,  thou  who  didst  follow  the 
only-begotten  Son  of  the  Father,  thy  enemies  having  been 
overcome,  thou  dost  triumph,  and,  as  victor  enjoy  heavenly 
delights."  Triumphas:  The  Martyr's  triumph  consists  in 
the  possession  and  enjoyment  of  eternal  glory. 

2.  '*By  virtue  of  thy  intercession  wash  thou  our  guilt 

328 


MANY  MARTYRS 

away;  keep  at  a  distance  the  contagion  of  sin,  and  drive 
away  life's  weariness."  Precatus  (n.),  prayer.  Munere, 
merit,  favor. 

3.  "Loosened  now  are  the  chains  of  thy  sacred  body; 
deliver  us  also,  by  the  grace  of  the  Heavenly  Godhead, 
from  the  chains  of  the  world."    Vinclis  —  vinculis. 


COMMON  OF  MANY  MARTYRS 


IN   EASTERTIDE 


157 


Rex  gloriose  Martyrum 


REX  gloriose  Martyrum, 
Corona  confitentium, 
Qui  respuentes  terrea 
Perducis  ad  coelestia: 


^Aurem  benignam  protinus 
Intende  nostris  vocibus: 
Trophaea  sacra  pangimus: 
Ignosce  quod  deliquimus. 


^Tu  vincis  inter  Martyres, 
Parcisque  Confessoribus: 
Tu  vince  nostra  crimina, 
Largitor  indulgentiae. 


*Deo  Patri  sit  gloria, 
Et  Filio,  qui  a  mortuis 
Surrexit,  ac  Paraclito, 
In  sempiterna  ssecula. 


0  GLORIOUS  King  of  Martyr 
hosts. 
Thou  Crown  that  each  Confessor 

boasts. 
Who  leadest  to  celestial  day 
Those  who  have  cast  earth's  joys 
away: 

Thine  ear  in  mercy,  Saviour,  lend, 
While    unto    Thee     our    prayers 

ascend; 
And  as  we  cotmt  their  triumphs 

won. 
Forgive  the  sins  that  we  have  done. 

Martyrs  in  Thee  their  triumphs 
gain, 

From  Thee  Confessors  grace  ob- 
tain; 

O'ercome  in  us  the  lust  of  sin, 

That  we  Thy  pardoning  love  may 
win. 

To   Thee  who,   dead,   again   dost 

live. 
All  glory,  Lord,  Thy  people  give; 
All  glory,  as  is  ever  meet, 
To  Father  and  to  Paraclete. 


Author:  Ambrosian,  6th  cent.    Meter:  Iambic  dimeter. 
Translation  by  R.  F.  Littledale  and  G.  H.  Palmer.    There 

329 


COMMON  OF  SAINTS 

are  fifteen  translations.  Liturgical  Use  :  Hymn  for  Lauds. 
There  is  an  article  on  this  hymn  in  the  Cath.  Encycl.  From 
the  references  to  Confessors,  in  this  hymn,  it  would  seem 
that  it  was  originally  intended  for  the  feasts  of  Martyrs 
and  Confessors.  See  the  article  on  Martyr  in  the  Cath. 
Encycl. 

1.  *'0  glorious  King  of  Martyrs  and  Crown  of  Con- 
fessors, who  leadest  to  heavenly  things  those  who  despise 
the  things  of  earth. ' ' 

2.  ' '  Turn  quickly  a  gracious  ear  to  our  prayers ;  we  sing 
of  sacred  victories;  pardon  what  we  have  done  amiss." 
TrophcBum,  lit.,  a  trophy,  a  monument  of  victory;  by 
meton.,  the  victory  itself. 

3.  ''In  the  Martyrs  Thou  dost  conquer,  and  Thou  dost 
spare  the  Confessors :  0  dispenser  of  mercy,  conquer  Thou 
our  sins.'*  Inter  —  per.  The  Martyrs  are  the  faithful 
soldiers  of  Christ,  who  conquers  in  their  victories,  as  a 
general  conquers  in  the  achievements  of  his  army.  The 
Confessors  are  ''spared,"  i.e.,  they  are  not  called  to  shed 
their  blood  for  Christ. 

158  Christo  profusum  sanguinem 

CHRISTO     profusum     sangui-     THHE  Martyrs'  triumphs  let  us 
nem,  ^        sing, 

Et  Martyrum  victorias,  Their    blood    poured    forth    for 

Dignamque  coelo  lauream  Christ  the  King, 

Lsetis  sequamur  vocibus.  And  while  due  hymns  of  praise 

we  pay, 
Our    thankful    hearts    cast    grief 
away. 

^Terrore  victo  sseculi,  The   world   its   terrors   urged   in 

Poenisque  spretis  corporis,  vain; 

Mortis  sacrae  compendio  They    recked    not    of    the   body's 

Vitam  beatam  possident.  pain; 

One  step,   and  holy  death  made 

sure 
The  life  that  ever  shall  endure. 

^Traduntur  igni  Martyres,  To  flames  the  Martyr  Saints  are 

Et  bestiarum  dentibus:  hailed; 

By  teeth  of  savage  beasts  assailed ; 

330 


MANY  MARTYRS 

Armata  saevit  ungulis  Against  them,  armed  with  ruthless 

Tortoris  insani  manus.  brand 

And  hooks  of  steel,  their  torturers 
stand. 

*Nudata  pendent  viscera:  The   mangled   frame    is   tortured 

Sanguis  sacratus  funditur:  sore, 

Sed  permanent  immol?iles  The  holy  life-drops  freshly  pour; 

Vitae  perennis  gratia.  They  stand   unmoved  amidst  the 

strife, 
By  grace  of  everlasting  life. 

*  Te  nunc  Redemptor  quaesumus.  Redeemer,  hear  us  of  Thy  love, 

Ut  Martyrum  consortio  That,  with  the  Martyr  host  above, 

Jungas  precantes  servulos  Hereafter,  of  Thine  endless  grace, 

In  sempiterna  saecula.  Thy  servants  also  may  have  place. 

Author:  St.  Ambrose  (340-397).  Meter:  Iambic  dimeter. 
Translation  by  J.  M.  Neale  and  others.  This  hymn  is  a 
cento  from  the  hymn  Sterna  Christi  mmiera;  the  first 
stanza  was  added  by  the  revisers  of  the  hymns  under  Pope 
Urban  VIII,  1632.  There  are  eight  translations  of  the 
Roman  Brev.  Text,  and  five,  in  part  or  entire,  of  the  origi- 
nal hymn.  Liturgical  Use:  Matins  hymn  for  Many  Mar- 
tyrs in  Eastertide. 

1.  ^'Let  us  with  gladsome  voices  sing  of  the  blood  shed 
for  Christ,  of  the  victories  of  the  Martyrs,  and  the  laurels 
worthy  of  heaven."  Sequi,  lit.,  to  follow,  accompany. 
Lcetis  sequamur  vocibus,  Let  us  follow  with  joyous  songs, 
etc. 

2.  "Having  overcome  the  terrors  of  the  world  and  de- 
spised the  pains  of  the  body,  by  the  brief  torments  ac- 
companying a  holy  death,  they  now  possess  a  happy  life.'* 
Compendio:  The  Martyrs  acquire  in  a  brief  space  what 
others  obtain  in  a  lifetime. 

3.  ''The  Martyrs  are  delivered  over  to  the  flames  and  to 
the  teeth  of  wild  beasts ;  armed  with  hooks,  the  hand  of  the 
mad  torturer  rages."  Ungula,  a  torturer's  claw-shaped 
hook. 

4.  "Their  entrails  laid  bare  protrude,  their  holy  blood  is 
poured  forth ;  but  by  the  grace  of  eternal  life  they  remain 
steadfast." 

331 


COMMON  OF  SAINTS 

5.  **Now,  0  Redeemer,  we  beseech  Thee,  that  Thou  unite 
forever  Thy  suppliant  servants  with  the  company  of  the 
Martyrs.'* 

COMMON  OF  MANY  MARTYRS 


159 


OUT  OF  EASTERTIDE 


Sanctorum  mentis 


SANCTORUM    meritis    inclyta 
gaudia 
Pangamus  socii,  gestaque  fortia: 
Gliscens    fert    animus    promere 

cantibus 
Victorum  genus  optimum. 


Hi 


fatue    mundus 


floribus 


sunt,    quos 

abhorruit ; 
Hunc    fructu    vacuum, 

aridum 
Conterapsere  tui  nominis  asseclae 
Jesu  Rex  bone  ccelitum. 


^Hi  pro  te   furias,   atque  minas 

truces 
Calcarunt  hominum,  saevaque  ver- 

bera: 
His   cessit   lacerans   fortiter  un- 

gula, 
Nee  carpsit  penetralia. 


*Caeduntur    gladiis    more    biden- 

tium: 
Non  murmur  resonat,  non  queri- 

monia; 
Sed  corde  impavido  mens  bene 

conscia 
Conservat  patientiam. 


SING,   0   Sons 
sounding 


praise 


of  the   Church 
the      Martyrs' 


God's  true  soldiers  applaud,  who, 
in  their  weary  days. 

Won  bright  trophies  of  good,  glad 
be  the  voice  ye  raise. 

While  these  heroes  of  Christ  ye 
sing! 

They,  while  yet  in  the  world  were 

by  the  world  abhorred; 
Felt  how  fading  the  joys,  fleeting 

the  wealth  it  stored; 
Spurned  all  pleasure  for  Thee,  and 

at  Thy  call,  0  Lord, 
Came  forth  strong  in  Thy  Name, 

as  King. 

Lord,  how  bravely  they  bore  fury 
and  pain  for  Thee! 

Scourge,  rod,  sword,  and  the  rack 
strongly  endured;  but  free 

Sang  out,  bold  in  Thy  love,  long- 
ing on  high  to  be; 

Earth's  might  never  their  souls 
could  bend. 

While  they,  shedding  their  blood, 

victims  for  Jesus  fell, 
No  sound  out  of  their  lips  came  of 

their  throes  to  tell; 
Bowed    low,    patient    and    meek, 

loving  the  Lord  so  well, 
Turned  they  still   to  the  Christ, 

their  Friend. 


332 


MANY  MARTYRS 

'Quae    vox,    quae    poterit    lingua     What  joys,  bright  with  the  blood 
retexere,  shed    for    thy    love    they 

Quae  tu  Martyribus  munera  prae-  share, 

paras?  Those    brave    Martyrs    of    Thine 

Rubri  nam  fluido  sanguine  fulgi-  crowned  with  Thy   laurels 

dis  rare; 

Cingunt  tempora  laurels.  Man's  tongue  never  can  tell,  never 

can  half  declare. 
How  pure  now  is  their  bliss  above! 

*Te    summa     o     Deltas,    unaque     Yet  we,  Father  on  high,  God  of 

poscimus;  eternal  might, 

Ut    culpas    abigas,    noxia  sub-      Lift  weak  voices  in  prayer  asking 

trahas,  for  peace  and  light; 

Des     pacem     famulis,     ut  tibi     Cleanse  Thou   out   of  our  hearts 

gloriam  every  stain  and  blight, 

Annorum  in  seriem  canant.  So  our  songs  may  be  songs  of  love. 

Author:  Unknown,  8th  cent.  Meter;  Asclepiadic  and 
Glyconic.  Translation  by  D.  J.  Donahoe.  There  are  thir- 
teen translations.  Liturgical  Use  :  Vespers  Hymn.  There 
is  an  exceptionally  interesting  article  on  the  Sanctorum 
meritis,  in  the  Cath.  Encycl.  J.  M.  Neale's  translation, 
which  is  found  in  most  hymn  books,  is  in  the  Baltimore 
Manual  of  Prayers,  p.  651. 

1.  **Let  us  sing,  0  companions,  the  heroic  deeds  of  the 
Saints  and  the  glorious  delights  merited  by  them:  the  soul 
glowing  with  zeal  strives  to  celebrate  in  song  the  noblest 
kind  of  conquerors." 

2.  *' These  are  they  whom  the  world  foolishly  abhorred; 
but,  0  Jesus,  good  King  of  the  Blessed,  the  followers  of 
Thy  Name  despised  the  world  as  void  of  fruit  and  parched 
of  flowers."    Hunc,  sc,  mundum. 

3.  "For  Thy  sake  they  despised  the  rage,  the  savage 
threats,  and  the  brutal  blows  of  men:  the  fiercely  lacerat- 
ing hook  yields  to  them,  nor  does  it  rob  them  of  their  in- 
ner lives."    Penetralia,  the  life  of  the  soul. 

4.  ''Like  sheep,  they  are  slaughtered  by  the  sword:  no 
murmur  is  heard,  no  complaint;  but  with  dauntless  cour- 
age, the  soul  self-possessed  preserves  its  patience." 

5.  "What  voice,  what  tongue  can  recount  the  gifts  which 
Thou  dost  prepare  for  Thy  Martyrs'?    For,  red  with  flow- 

333 


COMMON  OF  SAINTS 

ing  blood  they  bind  their  temples  with  resplendent  laurels." 
6.  *  *  We  beseech  Thee,  0  supreme  and  only  Godhead,  that 
Thou  banish  our  sins  from  Thy  sight,  drive  away  all  evils, 
and  grant  peace  to  Thy  servants,  that  they  may  sing  glory 
to  Thee  forever." 


COMMON  OF  CONFESSORS 


160 


Iste  Confessor 


ISTE  Confessor  Domini  colentes 
Quem  pie  laudant  populi  per 
orbem : 
Hac  die  laetus  meruit  beatas 
Scandere  sedes. 


'Qui     pius,     prudens,     humilis, 

pudicus, 

Sobriam  duxit  sine  labe  vitam. 

Donee  humanos  animavit  aurae 

Spiritus  artus. 


'Cujus     ob     praestans     meritum 
frequenter, 
i^gra  quae  passim  jacuere  mem- 
bra, 
Viribus  morbi  domitis,  saluti 
Restituuntur. 


*Noster  hinc  illi  chorus  obsequen- 
tem 
Concinit      laudem,     celebresque 

palmas; 
Ut  piis  ejus  precibus  juvemur 
Omne  per  aevum. 


THIS  the  Confessor  of  the  Lord, 
whose  triumph 
Now    all    the    faithful    celebrate, 

with  gladness 
Erst  on  this  feast-day  merited  to 
enter 

Into  his  glory. 

Saintly    and    prudent,   modest   in 

behavior. 
Peaceful  and  sober,  chaste  was  he, 

and  lowly. 
While  that   life's  vigor,  coursing 

through  his  members, 

Quickened  his  being. 

Sick  ones  of  old  time,  to  his  tomb 

resorting. 
Sorely     by     ailments     manifold 

afflicted, 
Oft-times   have   welcomed   health 

and  strength  returning. 
At  his  petition. 

Whence  we  in  chorus  gladly  do 

him  honor, 
Chanting  his  praises  with  devout 

affection, 
That  in  his  merits  we  may  have  a 

portion. 
Now  and  forever. 


334 


CONFESSORS 

'Sit  salus  illi,  decus,  atque  virtus,     His    be    the    glory,    power    and 
Qui  super  coeli  solio  coruscans,  salvation, 

Totius  mundi  seriem  gubernat         Who  over  all  things  reigneth  in 
Trinus  et  unus.  the  highest, 

Earth's  mighty  fabric  ruling  and 
directing, 
Onely  and  Trinal. 

Author:  Unknown,  8tli  cent.  Meter:  Sapphic  and 
Adonic.  Translation,  a  cento  from  The  Hymner.  There 
are  twelve  translations.  First  line  of  Original  Text:  Iste 
Confessor  Domini  sacratus.  Liturgical  Use:  Hymn  for 
Vespers  and  Matins  on  Feasts  of  Confessors  Bishops,  and 
Confessors  not  Bishops.  Read  the  article  on  Confessor,  in 
the  Cath.  Encycl. 

1.  ''This  Confessor  of  the  Lord,  whom  reverent  nations 
throughout  the  world  lovingly  venerate,  merited  on  this 
day  to  ascend  with  joy  to  the  blest  abodes."  Hac  die,  i.e., 
the  Feast  Day  of  the  Saint,  the  day  of  his  death.  If  it  is 
not  the  day  of  the  Saint's  death,  the  last  two  lines  are 
changed  thus : 

Hac  die  laetus  meruit  supremos 
Laudis  honores. 

"On  this  day  "merited  with  joy   the   highest   honors   of 
praise."    Scandere  =  ascendere. 

2.  "Pious,  prudent,  humble,  and  chaste,  he  led  a  sober 
life,  without  stain,  as  long  as  the  breath  of  life  animated  his 
human  members. ' '  Humanos  artus,  his  body,  frame.  Spiri- 
tus  aurcB,  lit.,  a  breath  of  air.  Read  St.  Paul's  conception  of 
a  Bishop  (1  Tim.  esp.  3,  2). 

3.  "On  account  of  his  eminent  merits  it  often  happens 
that  members  (the  faithful)  lying  sick  in  various  places, 
are  restored  to  health,  the  violence  of  their  disease  being 
overcome."  Membra  saluti  restituuntur  =  membris  salus 
restituitur. 

4.  "Wherefore  to  him  does  our  choir  sing  gracious 
praises,  and  celebrate  his  victories :  may  we  be  aided  by  his 
pious  prayers  throughout  the  ages." 

5.  "To  Him  who  is  resplendent  on  the  throne  of  heaven, 
be  salvation,  glory,  and  power;  to  Him  who,  Three  and 
One,  ruleth  the  course  of  the  whole  world. 

335 


161 


COMMON  OF  SAINTS 
Jesu  Redemptor  omnium 


JESU  Redemptor  omnium, 
Perpes  corona  Praesulum, 
In  hac  die  clementius 
Indulgeas  precantibus. 


'Tui  sacri  qua  nominis 
Confessor  almus  claruit 
Hujus  celebrat  annua 
Devota  plebs  solemnia, 

'Qui  rite  mundi  gaudia 
Hujus  caduca  respuens, 
i^ternitatis  praemio 
Potitur  inter  Angelos. 


*  Hujus  benignus  annua 
Nobis  sequi  vestigia: 
Hujus  precatu  servulis 
Dimitte  noxam  criminis. 


'Sit  Christe  Rex  piissime 
Tibi,  Patrique  gloria. 
Cum  Spiritu  Paraclito, 
Nunc  et  per  omne  saeculum. 


JESU,    the    world's    Redeemer, 
hear; 
Thy  Bishops'  fadeless  crown,  draw 

near: 
Accept  with  gentlest  love  to-day 
The  prayers  and  praises  that  we 
pay. 

The  meek  Confessor  of  Thy  Name 
To-day  attained  a  glorious  fame; 
Whose    yearly    feast,    in    solemn 

state, 
Thy  faithful  people  celebrate. 

The    world    and    all    its    boasted 

good, 
As  vain  and  passing,  he  eschewed; 
And  therefore  with  Angelic  bands. 
In  endless  joy  forever  stands. 

Grant  then  that  we,  most  gracious 

God, 
May  follow  in  the  steps  he  trod: 
And,  at  his  prayer,  Thy  servants 

free 
From  stain  of  all  iniquity. 

To    Thee,    0    Christ,    our    loving 

King, 
All  glory,  praise,  and  thanks  we 

bring: 
All  glory,  as  is  ever  meet. 
To  Father  and  to  Paraclete. 


Author:  Ambrosian,  8th  cent.  Meter:  Iambic  dimeter. 
Translation  by  J.  D.  Chambers.  There  are  eight  trans- 
lations. Liturgical  Use:  Hymn  for  Lauds  on  the  Feast 
of  a  Confessor  and  Bishop. 

1.  **0  Jesus,  the  Redeemer  of  all,  the  eternal  crown  of 
Bishops,  mayest  Thou  on  this  day  be  graciously  indulgent 
to  Thy  suppliants."  Perpes,  itis  =  perpetuus.  Prcesul,  a 
patron,  protector  (post  classical) ;  the  word  had  a  quite 
different  meaning  in  classical  Latin. 

336 


CONFESSORS 

2.  **0n  this  day  shone  resplendent  the  glorious  Confessor 
of  Thy  Name,  whose  yearly  solemnity  a  devout  people  cele- 
brate. ' '  Qua  refers  to  die  in  the  preceding  stanza.  Claruit, 
"shone  resplendent"  in  glory  among  the  Saints  and  An- 
gels. 

3.  ''Rightly  despising  the  fleeting  joys  of  this  world,  he 
obtains  an  eternal  reward  among  the  Angels."  Rite  = 
merito.    Prcemium  ceternitatis  =  prasmium  aeternum. 

4.  ' '  Graciously  allow  us  to  follow  his  footsteps ;  through 
his  intercession,  forgive  Thy  servants  the  punishment 
due  to  their  sins."    Annuere,  grant,  permit. 


162 


Jesu  corona  celsior 


JESU  corona  celsior, 
Et  Veritas  sublimior, 
Qui  confitenti  servulo 
Reddis  perenne  praemium: 


'  Da  supplicant!  coetui, 
Hujus  rogatu,  noxii 
Remissionem  criminis, 
Rumpendo  nexum  vinculi. 


•Anni  reverso  tempore, 
Dies  refulsit  lumine, 
Quo  Sanctus  hie  de  corpore 
Migravit  inter  sidera. 

*Hic  vana  terras  gaudia, 
Et  luculenta  praedia, 
Polluta  sorde  deputans, 
Ovans  tenet  coelestia. 

'Te  Christe  Rex  piissime. 
Hie  confitendo  jugiter, 
Calcavit  artes  dsemonum, 
Saevumque  averni  principem. 


JESU,  eternal  Truth  sublime, 
Through     endless     years    the 
same! 
Thou  crown  of  those  who  through 

all  time 
Confess  Thy  holy  Name: 

Thy  suppliant  people,  through  the 

prayer 
Of  Thy  blest  Saint,  forgive; 
For    his    dear    sake,    Thy    wrath 

forbear, 
And  bid  our  spirits  live. 

Again  returns  the  sacred  day. 
With  heavenly  glory  bright. 
Which  saw  him  go  upon  his  way 
Into  the  realms  of  light. 

All  objects  of  our  vain  desire. 
All  earthly  joys  and  gains. 
To  him  were  but  as  filthy  mire; 
And  now  with  Thee  he  reigns. 

Thee,  Jesu,  his  all-gracious  Lord, 

Confessing  to  the  last, 

He    trod    beneath    him     Satan*s 

fraud. 
And  stood  forever  fast. 


337 


COMMON  OF  SAINTS 

•Virtute  clarus,  et  fide,  In  holy  deeds  of  faith  and  love, 

Confessione  sedulus,  In  fastings  and  in  prayers. 

Jejuna  membra  deferens.  His  days   were   spent;    and  now 

Dapes  supernas  obtinet.  above 

Thy  heavenly  Feast  he  shares. 

'Proinde  te  piissime  Then,  for  his  sake  Thy  wrath  lay 

Precamur  omnes  supplices:  by, 

Nobis  ut  hujus  gratia  And  hear  us  while  we  pray; 

Poenas  remittas  debitas.  And   pardon    us,    0   Thou   most 

High, 
On  this  his  festal  Day. 

'Patri  perennis  gloria.  All  Glory  to  the  Father  be; 

Natoque  Patris  unico,  And  sole  Incarnate  Son; 

Sanctoque  sit  Paraclito,  Praise,  holy  Paraclete,  to  Thee; 

Per  omne  semper  saeculum.  While  endless  ages  run. 

Author:  Ambrosian,  6th  cent.  Meteb:  Iambic  dimeter. 
Translation  by  Father  Caswall.  There  are  eight  trans- 
lations. Liturgical  Use:  Hymn  for  Lauds  of  a  Confessor 
not  a  Bishop. 

1.  **0  Jesus,  Thou  most  exalted  crown,  and  truth  most 
sublime,  who  iDestowest  an  eternal  reward  on  Thy  Con- 
fessor."   Confitenti  servulo  =  Confessori. 

2.  ''Through  his  intercession  grant  to  Thy  suppliant 
assembly  the  remission  of  their  sins,  whilst  Thou  dost  rend 
asunder  the  bond  of  the  chain  (of  sin)." 

3.  "The  space  of  a  year  having  elapsed,  the  day  again 
shines  forth  in  its  splendor,  on  which  this  Saint,  leaving 
his  earthly  body,  ascended  into  heaven." 

4.  **  Considering  the  vain  joys  and  showy  goods  of  the 
world  as  defiled  with  filth,  he  now  in  triumph  possesses 
those  that  are  heavenly."    Codestia  (sc.  gaudia  et  praedia). 

5.  *'By  unceasingly  confessing  Thee,  0  Christ,  most  lov- 
ing King,  he  trampled  under  foot  the  wiles  of  the  evil 
spirits,  and  the  savage  prince  of  hell." 

6.  ''Renowned  for  faith  and  virtue,  zealous  in  the  con- 
fession of  his  faith,  bearing  his  members  mortified  he  now 
participates  in  the  heavenly  banquet." 

7.  "We  suppliants,  therefore,  all  beseech  Thee,  most 
gracious  God,  that  on  his  account  Thou  remit  the  punish- 

338 


VIRGINS 

ment  due  to  us."    Gratia,  prep.,  hujus  gratia,  on  his  ac- 
count, for  his  sake. 

8.  *' Eternal  glory  to  the  Father,  and  to  the  only-begotten 
Son  of  the  Father,  and  to  the  Holy  Spirit,  through  all  eter- 
nity." 


163 


COMMON  OF  VIRGINS 
Jesu,  corona  Virginum 


JESU,  corona  Virginum, 
Quem  mater  ilia  concipit, 
Quae  sola  Virgo  parturit: 
Haec  vota  clemens  accipe. 


'Qui  pergis  inter  lilia, 
Septus  choreis  Virginum, 
Sponsus  decorus  gloria, 
Sponsisque  reddens  praemia. 


'Quocumque  tendis,  Virgines 
Sequuntur,  atque  laudibus 
Post  te  canentes  cursitant, 
Hymnosque  dulces  personant. 


*Te  deprecamur  supplices; 
Nostris  ut  addas  sensibus, 
Nescire  prorsus  omnia 
Corruptionis  vulnera. 

'Virtus,  honor,  laus,  gloria 
Deo  Patri  cum  Filio, 
Sancto  simul  Paraclito, 
In  sseculorum  saecula. 


JESU,    the   Virgins'   crown,    do 
Thou 
Accept  us  as  in  prayer  we  bow; 
Born  of  that  Virgin,  whom  alone 
The  Mother  and  the  Maid  we  own. 

Amongst  the  lilies  Thou  dost  feed, 
By  Virgin  choirs  accompanied — 
With   glory   decked,   the   spotless 

brides 
Whose     bridal     gifts     Thy     love 

provides. 

They,   wheresoe'er   Thy   footsteps 

bend, 
With    hymns    and    praises    still 

attend : 
In    blessed    troops    they    follow 

Thee, 
With     dance,     and     song,     and 

melody. 


We  pray  Thee  therefore  to  bestow 
Upon  our  senses  here  below 
Thy  grace,  that  so  we  may  endure 
From  taint  of  all  corruption  pure. 

All  laud  to  God  the  Father  be, 
All  praise.  Eternal  Son,  to  Thee; 
All  glory  as  is  ever  meet, 
To  God,  the  holy  Paraclete. 


Author:  Ascribed  to  St.  Ambrose  (340-397).  Meteb; 
Iambic  dimeter.  Translation  by  J.  M.  Neale,  There  are 
thirteen  translations.    Liturgical  Use  :  Hymn  for  Vespers 

339 


COMMON  OF  SAINTS 

and  Lauds.   This  beautiful  hymn  is  founded  on  Is.  28,  5; 
Canticle  of  Canticles  2, 16 ;  Apoc.  14,  4. 

1.  *'0  Jesus,  crown  of  Virgins,  whom  that  Mother  con- 
ceived who  alone  as  Virgin  did  give  birth  to  a  Child,  graci- 
ously accept  these  our  prayers." 

2.  *'Thou  walkest  among  the  lilies  surrounded  by  choirs 
of  Virgins,  as  a  bridegroom  adorned  with  glory  dispensing 
gifts  to  brides."  Pergis:  The  Original  Text  has  pascis — 
which  text  Neale  translates.  The  texts  differ  but  slightly. 
Qui  pascitur  inter  lilia  (Cant.  2,  16).  The  lily  is  a  sym- 
bol of  virginal  purity;  it  is  here  used  for  Virgins  them- 
selves. 

3.  '*  Whithersoever  Thou  goest,  Virgins  follow,  and  with 
songs  of  praise  they  hasten  after  Thee,  causing  sweet 
hymns  to  resound." 

4.  '*We  suppliantly  beseech  Thee  that  Thou  grant  to  our 
senses  that  they  may  know  nothing  whatever  of  all  the 
wounds  of  corruption."  Addas  =  des,  tribuas.  Sensibus, 
to  our  souls.    Nescire,  to  have  nothing  to  do  with. 


164  Virginis  Proles 

VIRGINIS   Proles,   Opifexque  CON  of  a  Virgin,  Maker  of  Thy 

Matris,  »^        Mother, 

Virgo    quem    gessit,    peperitque  Thou,  Rod  and  Blossom  from  a 

Virgo;  Stem  unstained, 

Virginis  festum  canimus  beatae,  Now  while  a  Virgin  fair  of  fame 

Accipe  votum.  we  honor, 

Hear  our  devotion! 

^Haec  enim  palraae  duplicis  beata  Lo,  on  Thy  handmaid  fell  a  two- 
Sorte,      dum      gestit      fragilem  fold  blessing, 

domare  Who,  in  her  body  vanquishing  the 
Corporis   sexum,    domuit   cruen-  weakness, 

turn  In   that   same   body,    grace   from 
Caede  tyrannmn.  heaven  obtaining, 

Bore  the  world  witness. 

'Unde    nee    mortem,    nee    amica  Death,  nor  the  rending  pains  of 
mortis  death  appalled  her; 

Mille  poenarum   genera   expave-  Bondage  and  torment  found  her 
scens,  undefeated: 

340 


VIRGINS 

Sanguine  efTuso  meruit  serenum     So  by  the  shedding  of  her  blood 
Scandere  coelum.  attained  she 

Heavenly  guerdon. 

*Hujus  oratu  Deus  alme  nobis  Fountain     of     mercy,     hear     the 

Debitas  pcenas  scelerum  remitte;  prayers  she  offers; 

Ut  tibi  puro  resonemus  almum         Purge    our    offences,   pardon    our 
Pectore  carmen.  transgressions, 

So  that  hereafter  we  to  Thee  may 
render 
Praise  with  thanksgiving. 

^Sit  decus  Patri,  genitasque  Proli,     Thou,   the   All-Father,   Thou,  the 
Et  tibi  compar  utriusque  virtus  One-Begotten, 

Spiritus  semper,  Deus  unus  omni     Thou,  Holy  Spirit,  Three  in  One 
Temporis  aevo.  co-equal, 

Glory  be  henceforth  Thine  through 
all  the  ages, 
World  without  ending. 

Author:  Unknown,  Sth  cent.  Meter:  Sapphic  and 
Adonic.  Translation  by  Laurence  Housman.  There  are 
eight  translations.  Liturgical  Use:  Hymn  for  Matins  in 
the  Common  of  Virgins.  To  be  more  explicit,  the  five 
stanzas  of  this  hymn  are  used  as  follows: 

a)  The  complete  hymn  for  Virgin-Martyrs. 

b)  Stanzas  1,  4,  5,  for  Virgins. 

c)  Stanzas  4,  5,  for  Holy  Women. 

1.  *  *  0  Offspring  of  a  Virgin  and  Creator  of  Thy  Mother, 
whom  a  Virgin  carried  in  her  womb,  and  to  whom  a  Virgin 
gave  birth;  we  celebrate  in  song  the  Feast  of  a  Virgin; 
hear  Thou  our  prayer."  The  Virgin  mentioned  in  the 
first  two  lines  is  our  Blessed  Lady;  the  Virgin  mentioned 
in  the  third  line  is  the  Saint  whose  Feast  is  being  cele- 
brated.   For  a  Virgin-Martyr  the  last  two  lines  read : 

Virginis  partos  canimus  decora 
Morte  triumphos. 

**We  sing  of  the  triumphs  obtained  by  the  glorious  death 
of  a  Virgin." 

2.  *'For  she  was  blessed  with  the  portion  of  a  twofold 

341 


COMMON  OF  SAINTS 

palm  of  victory;  while  she  strove  to  overcome  the  frailty 
of  her  sex,  she  overcame  also  the  tyrant  red  with  slaugh- 
ter." Ccedes,  slaughter,  carnage,  the  blood  shed  in  slaugh- 
ter. The  ** twofold  palm"  is  that  of  virginity  and  martyr- 
dom. The  word  ''martyr"  means  a  witness,  i.e.,  one  who 
by  his  death  bears  witness  to  the  truth  of  the  Christian 
religion. 

3.  ''She  feared  neither  death  nor  the  accompaniments  of 
death,  the  countless  methods  of  torture;  having  shed  her 
blood  she  merited  to  ascend  to  an  untroubled  heaven." 
Arnica  mortis,  things  pertaining  to,  or  accompanying 
death. 

4.  "At  her  intercession,  0  gracious  God,  remit  the  pun- 
ishment of  our  sins  due  to  us,  that  with  a  pure  heart  we 
may  raise  aloft  a  sweet  song  to  Thee. ' ' 

5.  "Glory  be  to  the  Father  and  to  the  incarnate  Son,  and 
to  Thee,  Holy  Spirit,  ever  the  co-equal  power  of  both,  One 
God.  forever  and  ever." 


COMMON  OF  HOLY  WOMEN 
165  Fortem  virili  pectore 

FORTEM  virili  pectore  TTIGH  let  us  all  our  voices  raise 

Laudemus  omnes  feminam,       -■--■-  In  that  heroic  woman's  praise 
Quae  sanctitatis  gloria  Whose  name,   with  saintly  glory 

Ubique  fulget  inclyta.  bright, 

Shines   in    the    starry   realms    of 
light. 

'Hsec  sancto  amore  saucia.  Filled  with  a  pure  celestial  glow, 

Dum  mundi  amorem  noxium  She    spurned   all   love    of   things 

Horrescit,  ad  coelestia  below; 

Iter  peregit  arduum.  And  heedless  here  on  earth  to  stay, 

Climbed  to  the  skies  her  toilsome 
way. 

'Carnem  domans  jejuniis,  With  fasts  her  body  she  subdued, 

Dulcique  mentem  pabulo  But  filled  her  soul  with  prayer's 

Orationis  nutriens,  sweet  food : 

Coeli  potitur  gaudiis.  In  other  worlds  she  tastes  the  bliss 

For  which  she  left  the  joys  of  this. 
342 


DEDICATION  OF  A  CHURCH 

*Rex  Christe  virtus  fortium,  O  Christ,  the  strength  of  all  the 

Qui  magna  solus  efficis,  strong; 

Hujus  precatu,  quaesumus,  To     whom     our     holiest     deeds 

Audi  benignus  supplices.  belong! 

Through    her    prevailing   prayers 

on  high, 
In  mercy  hear  Thy  people's  cry! 

°Deo  Patri  sit  gloria,  To  God  the  Father,  with  the  Son, 

Ejusque  soli  Filio,  And  Holy  Spirit,  Three  in  One, 

Cimi  Spiritu  Paraclito,  Be  glory  while  the  ages  flow, 

Nunc,  et  per  omne  sasculum.  From  all  above,  and  all  below. 

Author:  Cardinal  Silvio  Antoniano  (1540-1603).  Meter: 
Iambic  dimeter.  Translation  by  Father  Caswall.  There 
are  nine  translations.  Liturgical  Use  :  Hymn  for  Vespers 
and  Lauds. 

1.  "Let  us  all  praise  that  valiant  woman  with  a  manly 
heart,  who,  by  the  glory  of  her  sanctity,  everywhere  shines 
gloriously."  Mulierem  fortem  quis  inveniet  (Prov.  31,  10). 
Virili,  manly,  strong,  brave. 

2.  "Smitten  with  holy  love,  she  traverses  the  arduous 
way  to  heaven,  while  she  shudders  at  the  baneful  love  of 
the  world." 

3.  "She  subdued  her  body  with  fasting,  and  she  nour- 
ished her  soul  with  the  sweet  food  of  prayer,  and  thus  ob- 
tained the  joys  of  heaven. ' ' 

4.  "King  Christ,  the  strength  of  the  strong,  who  alone 
dost  accomplish  great  things,  we  pray  Thee,  through  her 
intercession,  graciously  hear  Thy  suppliants." 


COMMON  OF  THE  DEDICATION 
OF  A  CHURCH 

166  Coslestis  urbs  Jerusalem 

CCELESTIS  urbs  Jerusalem,  nHHOU  heavenly,  new  Jerusalem, 

Beata  pacis  visio,  ■*■    Vision  of  peace  in  prophet's 

Quae  celsa  de  viventibus  dream! 

With    living   stones   built   up   on 
high, 

843 


COMMON  OF  SAINTS 


Saxis  ad  astra  tolleris, 
Sponsaeque  ritu  cingeris 
Mille  Angelorum  millibus. 


"0  sorte  nupta  prospera, 
Dotata  Patris  gloria, 
Respersa  sponsi  gratia, 
Regina  formosissima, 
Christo  jugata  Principi, 
Coeli  corusca  civitas. 


'Hie  margaritis  emicant, 
Patentque  cunctis  ostia: 
Virtute  namque  praevia 
Mortalis  illuc  ducitur, 
Amore  Christi  percitus 
Tormenta  quisquis  sustinet. 


*Scalpri  salubris  ictibus, 
Et  tunsione  plurima, 
Fabri  polita  malleo 
Hanc  saxa  molem  construunt, 
Aptisque  juncta  nexibus 
Locantur  in  fastigio. 


'Decus  Parenti  debitmn 
Sit  usquequaque  Altissimo, 
Natoque  Patris  unico, 
Et  inclyto  Paraclito, 
Cui  laus,  potestas,  gloria 
interna  sit  per  saecula. 


And  rising  to  yon  starry  sky; 
In    bridal    pomp    thy    form    ie 

crowned, 
With   thousand   thousand    Angels 

round ! 

0  Bride,  betrothed  in  happy  hour, 
The  Father's  glory  is  thy  dower; 
The  Bridegroom's  grace  is  shed  on 

thee 
Thou  Queen  all  fair  eternally; 
To     Christ     allied,     thy     Prince 

adored, 
Bright  shining  city  of  the  Lord! 

Behold  with  pearls  they  glittering 

stand 
Thy  peaceful  gates  to  all  expand; 
By    grace    and    strength    divinely 

shed 
Each  mortal  thither  may  be  led; 
Who,  kindled  by  Christ's  love,  will 

dare 
All  earthly  sufferings  now  to  bear. 

By  many  a  salutary  stroke. 

By  many  a  weary  blow  that  broke. 

Or    polished    with    a    workman's 

skill, 
The  stones  that  form  that  glorious 

pile, 
They  all  are  fitly  framed  to  lie 
In  their  appointed  place  on  high. 

Fair    and    well-pleasing    in    Thy 

sight, 
Parent  most  high,   enthroned   in 

light. 
And    for    Thine    only   Son   most 

meet. 
And  Thee,  all-glorious  Paraclete, 
To  whom  praise,  power,  and  glory 

rise 
Forever  through  the  eternal  skies. 


Author:  Unknown,  6th  or  7th  cent.    Meter:  Iambic  di- 
meter.    Translation  by  J.  W.  Irons.     There  are  about 

344 


DEDICATION  OF  A  CHURCH 

thirty  translations.  Liturgical  Use:  Hymn  for  Vespers 
and  Matins.  First  line  of  Original  Text:  Urhs  Jerusalem 
beata,  or  Urbs  beata  Jerusalem.  The  hymn  was  greatly 
altered  by  the  revisers  under  Pope  Urban  VIII,  in  1632. 
The  Original  Text,  as  found  in  the  Benedictine  and  Do- 
minican Breviaries,  with  J.  M.  Neale's  much  admired 
translation  of  the  same  is  given  below.  It  is  interesting  to 
compare  the  two  texts.  It  will  be  noticed  that  the  rugged 
beauty  of  the  Original  Text,  in  trochaic  tetrameter,  is  re- 
placed in  the  Roman  Breviary  Text  by  smooth  polished 
iambics.  "With  reference  to  the  revision,  Neale  thinks  that 
the  grand  old  hymn  ''lost  half  its  beauty  in  the  process" 
{Medieval  Hymns,  p.  18).  This  hymn  is  based  on  the  fol- 
lowing passages  of  the  New  Testament :  I  Peter  2,  5 ;  Apoc. 
21;  Eph.  2,  19-22;  Heb.  12,  22. 

1.  "Jerusalem,  heavenly  city,  blessed  vision  of  peace, 
who,  built  of  living  stones,  art  raised  aloft  to  the  stars, 
and  like  a  bride  art  encircled  by  countless  thousands  of 
Angels."  *'The  heavenly  city,  Jerusalem"  is  the  Church 
Triumphant,  the  Blessed.  In  Hebrew,  the  word  Jerusalem 
means  ''vision  of  peace."  The  "living  stones"  are  the 
souls  of  men. 

2.  "0  bride  dowered  with  a  fortunate  dowry,  with  the 
glory  of  the  Father,  and  with  the  grace  of  the  bridegroom 
shed  over  thee ;  0  queen  all-beauteous  united  to  Christ  the 
King,  0  resplendent  city  of  heaven!"  Sorte,  lot,  marriage 
portion,  dowry.  The  bride  is  the  Church  Triumphant,  and 
the  bridegroom  is  Christ,  who  is  the  glory  of  the  Father 
(Heb.  1,  3). 

3.  "Thy  gates  here  glitter  with  pearls  and  stand  open 
to  all ;  each  mortal  who  follows  virtue  is  dra\vn  thither ;  each 
one  who,  impelled  by  the  love  of  Christ,  endures  torments." 
Ostia  patetit,  cf.  Apoc.  21,  21-25.  Tormenta  is  not  re- 
stricted to  Martyrs  only,  but  refers  to  anyone  who  en- 
dures trials  and  tribulations  (Acts  14,  21). 

4.  "Polished  by  vigorous  blows  of  the  chisel  and  by 
countless  strokes  of  the  Master's  mallet,  these  stones  raise 
up  this  mighty  structure,  and,  bound  together  with  appro- 
priate joints,  they  are  placed  aloft  in  the  highest  summit." 
Fastigium,  gable,  pediment,  summit;  here,  by  synec.  the 

345 


COMMON  OF  SAINTS 

splendid  edifice  itself.     Saxa  is  the  subject  of  the  whole 
stanza. 

5.  "Let  due  glory  be  given  everywhere  to  the  most  high 
Father,  and  to  the  only-begotten  Son  of  the  Father,  and 
to  the  glorious  Paraclete;  to  whom  be  praise,  power,  and 
glory,  through  everlasting  ages. 


167 


Alto  ex  Olympi  vertice 


ALTO  ex  Olympi  vertice 
Summi  Parentis  Filius, 
Ceu  monte  desectus  lapis 
Terras  in  imas  decidens, 
Domus  supernae,  et  infimae, 
Utrumque  junxit  angulum. 


'^Sed  ilia  sedes  coelitum 
Semper  resultat  laudibus, 
Deumque  Trinum  et  Unicum 
Jugi  canore  praedicat: 
Illi  canentes  jungimur 
Almae  Sionis  aemuli. 


Haec  templa,  Rex  coelestium, 
Imple  benigno  lumine: 
Hue  o  rogatus  adveni, 
Plebisque  vota  suscipe, 
Et  nostra  corda  jugiter 
Perfunde  cceli  gratia. 


*Hic  irapetrent  Hdelium 
Voces  precesque  supplicum 
Domus  beatae  munera, 


FROM     highest     heaven,     the 
Father's  Son, 
Descending  like  that  mystic  stone 
Cut    from    a    mountain    without 

hands, 
Came  down  below,  and  filled  all 

lands; 
Uniting,  midway  in  the  sky, 
His  house  on  earth,  and  house  on 

high. 

That  house  on  high, — it  ever  rings 
With  praises  of  the  King  of  kings; 
Forever  there,  on  harps  divine, 
They  hymn  th'   eternal   One   and 

Trine; 
We,      here      below,      the      strain 

prolong, 
And  faintly  echo  Sion's  song. 

0  Lord  of  lords  invisible! 

With  Thy  pure  light  this  temple 
fill: 

Hither,  oft  as  invoked,  descend; 

Here  to  Thy  people's  prayer 
attend; 

Here,  through  all  hearts,  forever- 
more. 

Thy  Spirit's  quick'ning  graces 
pour. 

Here  may  the  faithful,  day  by  day, 
Their  hearts'  adoring  homage  pay; 
And  here  receive  from  Thy  dear 
love 


346 


DEDICATION  OF  A  CHURCH 

Partisque  donis  gaudeant:  The  blessings  of  that  home  above; 

Donee  soluti  corpore  Till    loosened    from    this    mortal 

Sedes  beatas  impleant.  chain, 

Its  everlasting  joys  they  gain. 

'Decus  Parenti  debitum  To  God  the  Father,  glory  due 

Sit  usquequaque  Altissimo,  Be  paid  by  all  the  heavenly  host; 

Natoque  Patris  unico,  And  to  His  only  Son  most  true; 

Et  inclyto  Paraclito,  With  Thee,  0  mighty  Holy  Ghost! 

Cui  laus,  potestas,  gloria  To    whom,    praise,    power,    and 
i5]terna  sit  per  ssecula.  blessing  be, 

Through  th'  ages  of  eternity. 


This  is  a  continuation  of  the  preceding  hymn.  Trans- 
lation by  Father  Caswall.  Liturgical  Use:  Hymn  for 
Lauds  on  the  Feast  of  the  Dedication  of  a  Church. 

1.  ''From  the  highest  heights  of  heaven  came  the  sov- 
ereign Father's  Son,  like  the  stone  riven  from  the  mountain 
descending  to  the  lowest  plains,  and  He  joined  together  the 
two  corners  of  the  earthly  and  heavenly  dwelling  places.'* 
Venit  is  understood  in  the  first  two  lines.  Christ  is  the 
stone  that  came  down  from  on  high.  He  is  also  the  corner- 
stone that  makes  both  one,  Jews  and  Gentiles,  or  the 
heavenly  and  the  earthly  kingdom  (Cf.  I  Pet.  2,  6;  Eph. 
2,  20).  The  figure  of  the  stone  riven  from  the  mountain 
is  probably  an  allusion  to  the  dream  of  Nabuchodonosor 
(Cf.  Dan.  2,  esp.  34-45). 

2.  *'But  that  abode  of  the  Blessed  ever  resounds  with 
praises,  and  extols  with  ceaseless  song  the  Triune  God;  to 
it  we  rivals  of  holy  Sion  are  joined  in  song."  Illi,  sc.  sedes 
Coelitum.  Jugi,  adj.,  perpetual.  Sion  ordinarily  stands 
for  the  Church  Militant;  it  is  here  used  for  the  Church 
Triumphant. 

3.  "These  temples,  0  king  of  the  Blessed,  fill  with  Thy 
kindly  light ;  hither,  come  Thou  when  invoked,  and  receive 
the  prayers  of  Thy  people,  and  fill  our  hearts  forever  with 
the  grace  of  Heaven." 

4.  "Here  may  the  voices  of  the  faithful  and  the  prayers 
of  Thy  suppliants  obtain  the  rewards  of  the  heavenly 
home;  and  may  they  enjoy  the  gifts  acquired,  till,  freed 
from  the  body,  they  take  possession  of  the  blessed  abodes." 

347 


COMMON  OF  SAINTS 


168 


Urbs  Jerusalem  beata 


URBS  Jerusalem  beata, 
Dicta  pacis  visio, 
Quae  construitur  in  coelis 
Vivis  ex  lapidibus, 
Et  Angelis  coronata, 
Ut  sponsata  comite. 

^Nova  veniens  e  coelo, 
Nuptiali  thalamo, 
Praeparata,  ut  sponsata 
Copuletur  Domino: 
Plateae  et  muri  ejus, 
Ex  auro  purissimo. 


Portae  nitent  margaritis 

Adytis  patentibus; 

Et  virtute  meritorura 

Illuc  introducitur 

Omnis  qui  ob  Christi  nomen 

Hie  in  mundo  premitur. 


*  Tunsionibus,  pressuris 
Expoliti  lapides, 
Suis  coaptantur  locis 
Per  manus  artificis, 
Disponuntur  permansuri 
Sacris  sedificiis. 


BLESSED  City,  heavenly  Salem, 
Vision  dear  of  peace  and  love, 
Who,  of  living  stones  upbuilded, 
Art  the  joy  of  heaven  above, 
And,  with  Angel  cohorts  circled, 
As  a  Bride  to  earth  dost  move! 

From  celestial  realms  descending. 

Ready  for  the  nuptial  bed, 

To    His    presence,    decked    with 

jewels, 
By  her  Lord  shall  she  be  led: 
All     her     streets     and     all     her 

bulwarks 
Of  pure  gold  are  fashioned. 

Bright    with    pearls    her    portal 

glitters ; 
It  is  open  evermore; 
And,  by  virtue  of  His  merits, 
Thither  faithful  souls  may  soar, 
Who  for  Christ's  dear  Name  in  this 

world 
Pain  and  tribulation  bore. 

Many  a  blow  and  biting  sculpture 
Polished  well  those  stones  elect. 
In  their  places  now  compacted 
By  the  heavenly  Architect, 
Who  therewith  hath  willed  forever 
That  His  palace  should  be  decked. 


169 


Angularis  fundamentum 


'  A  NGULARIS  fundamentum 
•^^  Lapis  Christus  missus  est, 
Qui  parietum  compage 
In  utroque  nectitur, 
Quem  Sion  sancta  suscepit. 
In  quo  credens  permanet. 


'Omnis  ilia  Deo  sacra, 
Et  dilecta  civitas, 


CHRIST  is  made  the  sure  Foun- 
dation, 
And  the  precious  Corner-stone, 
Who,  the  two  walls  underlying, 
Bound  in  each,  binds  both  in  one. 
Holy  Sion's  help  forever. 
And  her  confidence  alonCr 


All  that  dedicated  City, 
Dearly  loved  by  God  on  high. 


348 


DEDICATION  OF  A  CHURCH 


Plena  modulis  in  laude, 
Et  canore  jubilo, 
Trinum  Deum  unicumque 
Cum  fervore  praedicat. 

^  Hoc  in  templo,  summe  Deus, 
Exoratus  adveni; 
Et  dementi  bonitate 
Precum  vota  suscipe; 
Largam  benedictionem 
Hie  infunde  jugiter. 


'Hie  promereantur  omnes 
Petita  acquirere, 
Et  adepta  possidere, 
Cum  Sanctis  perenniter 
Paradisum  introire, 
Translati  in  requiem. 


'Gloria  et  honor  Deo 
Usquequaque  Altissimo, 
Una  Patri  Filioque, 
Inclyto  Paraclito, 
Cui  laus  est  et  potestas, 
Per  seterna  saecula. 


In  exultant  jubilation 

Pours  perpetual  melody; 

God  the  One,  and  God  the  Trinal, 

Singing  everlastingly. 

To    this    temple,    where    we   call 

Thee, 
Come,  0  Lord  of  Hosts,  to-day; 
With  Thy  wonted  loving-kindness 
Hear  Thy  people  as  they  pray; 
And  Thy  fullest  benediction 
Shed  within  its  walls  for  aye. 

Here  vouchsafe  to  all  Thy  servants 
What  they  supplicate  to  gain; 
Here  to  have  and  hold  forever 
Those  good  things  their  prayers 

obtain ; 
And  hereafter  in  Thy  glory 
With  Thy  blessed  ones  to  reign. 

Laud  and  honor  to  the  Father; 
Laud  and  honor  to  the  Son; 
Laud  and  honor  to  the  Spirit; 
Ever  Three,  and  ever  One: 
Consubstantial,  co-eternal, 
While  unending  ages  run. 


The  above  hymn  is  the  Original  Text  of  Hymns  166  and 
167.  Meter:  Trochaic  tetrameter.  Translation  by  J.  M. 
Neale. 

1.  ''Jerusalem,  blessed  city,  called  the  vision  of  peace; 
city  built  up  in  heaven  of  living  stones,  and  surrounded 
by  Angels,  as  a  bride  by  her  attendants." 

2.  *"Tis  the  New  Jerusalem  coming  down  from  heaven, 
adorned  for  the  nuptial  chamber,  that  as  a  bride  she  may 
be  united  to  her  Lord:  her  streets  and  her  walls  are  of 
purest  gold." 

3.  ''Her  gates  glitter  with  pearls,  her  inmost  shrines 
are  wide  open:  and  every  one  that  suffers  in  this  world 
for  the  Name  of  Christ,  finds  entrance  there,  in  virtue  of 
His  merits." 

4.  "These  stones,  polished  by  blows  and  by  afflictions, 
are  fitted  to  their  places  by  the  hands  of  the  Builder :  they 

349 


COMMON  OF  SAINTS 

are  arranged  to  remain  forever  in  the  sacred  edifice." 
Pressura,  cb,  oppression,  affliction. 

5.  "Christ  the  corner-stone  was  sent  to  be  the  founda- 
tion bound  in  both  joints  of  the  walls ;  whom  holy  Sion  re- 
ceived, and  believing  in  Him,  she  endures  forever." 

6.  ''All  this  beloved  city,  sacred  to  God,  is  full  of  melo- 
dies: in  praise  and  joyful  song  she  extols  with  zeal  the 
Triune  God." 

7.  ''In  this  temple,  O  most  high  God,  be  present  when 
Thou  art  invoked;  and  in  Thy  merciful  goodness  receive 
our  prayers;  here  pour  out  forever  Thy  abundant  bless- 
ings. ' ' 

8.  "Here  may  all  merit  to  obtain  what  they  ask  for,  and 
to  keep  what  they  have  obtained:  so  that  when  taken  to 
their  rest  they  may  merit  to  enter  Paradise  forever  with 
the  Saints." 

9.  "Everywhere  be  there  glory  and  honor  to  God  most 
high;  equal  glory  to  the  Father,  Son,  and  glorious  Para- 
clete, to  whom  belong  praise  and  power  through  everlast- 
ing ages." 


DE  CONTEMPTU  MUNDI 

The  four  following  hymns  are  centos  taken  from  a  long 
poem  of  about  3,000  lines  written  by  Bernard  of  Morlaix 
about  1140.  The  translations  are  by  Dr.  J.  M.  Neale. 
The  hymns  have  never  been  in  use  in  the  Breviary.  The 
meter  is,  in  Neale 's  words,  "Dactylic  hexameter,  divided 
into  three  parts,  between  which  a  caesura  is  inadmissible. 
The  hexameter  has  a  tailed  rhyme,  and  feminine  leonine 
rhyme  between  the  two  first  clauses."  Neale  speaks  of 
the  "majestic  sweetness"  of  the  meter,  and  Trench,  whose 
taste  was  equally  good,  comments  on  its  "awkwardness 
and  repulsiveness. "  Whatever  opinion  one  may  adopt 
concerning  the  Latin  hymn,  there  can  be  only  one  opinion 
about  Neale 's  beautiful  translations.  Neale  first  trans- 
lated the  96  lines  which  Trench  printed  in  his  Sacred  Latin 
Poetry;  he  later  translated  a  larger  cento  of  218  lines. 
The  translation  contains  twice  as  many  lines  as  the  original. 

350 


DE  CONTEMPTU  MUNDI 

The  complete  translation  will  be  found  in  Neale's  Mediceval 
Hymns,  and  in  a  volume  more  easily  obtained — Henry  T. 
Coates'  Fireside  Encyclopedia  of  Poetry,  p.  624  (John  C. 
Winston  Co.,  Philadelphia).  A  prose  translation  of  the 
complete  poem,  by  Henry  Preble,  appeared  in  the  Ameri- 
can Journal  of  Theology,  in  1906. 


170 


Hora  novissima 


HORA  novissima,  tempora  pes- 
sima  sunt;  vigilemus. 
Ecce    minaciter    imminet    arbiter 
Ille  supremus, — 


THE  world  is  very  evil; 
The  times  are  waxing  late; 
Be  sober  and  keep  vigil, 
The  Judge  is  at  the  gate; 


Imminet,    imminet,    ut   mala   ter-  The  Judge  that  comes  in  mercy, 

minet,  aequa  coronet.  The  Judge  that  comes  with  might, 

Recta    remuneret,    anxia    liberet.  To  terminate  the  evil, 

aethera  donet.  To  diadem  the  right. 

Curre,    vir    optime;    lubrica    re-  Arise,  arise,  good  Christian, 

prime,  praefer  honesta.  Let  right  to  wrong  succeed; 

Fletibus   angere,   flendo   merebere  Let  penitential  sorrow 

coelica  festa.  To  heavenly  gladness  lead. 


Luce  replebere  jam  sine  vespere, 

jam  sine  luna; 

Lux  nova  lux  ea,  lux  erit  aurea, 

lux  erit  una. 

Patria  splendida,  terraque  florida, 

libera  spinis, 

Danda    fidelibus    est    ibi    civibus, 

hie  peregrinis. 


To  the  light  that  hath  no  evening. 
That  knows  nor  moon  nor  sun. 
The  light  so  new  and  golden. 
The  light  that  is  but  one. 

0  home  of  fadeless  splendor, 
Of  flowers  that  bear  no  thorn, 
Where  they  shall  dwell  as  children 
Who  here  as  exiles  mourn; 


Tunc  erit  omnibus  inspicientibus  Midst  power  that  knows  no  limit, 

ora   Tonantis  Where  knowledge  has  no  bound, 

Summa    potentia,    plena    scientia,  The  Beatific  Vision 

pax  rata  Sanctis.  Shall  glad  the  Saints  around. 

Hie  homo  nititur,  ambulat,  utitur;  Strive,  man,  to  win  that  glory; 

ergo  fruetur.  Toil,  man,  to  gain  that  light; 

Pax,    rata    pax    ea,     spe    modo.  Send  hope  before  to  grasp  it, 

postea  re  capietur.  Till  hope  be  lost  in  sight. 

351 


COMMON  OF  SAINTS 


Plaude,  cinis  meus,  est  tua  pars 

Deus;  ejus  es  et  sis; 

Rex  tuus  est  tua  portia,  tu  sua; 

ne  sibi  desis. 


Exult,  0  dust  and  ashes, 
The  Lord  shall  be  thy  part, 
His  only,  His  forever 
Thou  shalt  be  and  thou  art. 


171 


Hie  breve  vivitur 


HIC    breve    vivitur,    hie   breve 
plangitur;  hie  breve  fletur; 
Non     breve     vivere,     non     breve 
plaudere,  retribuetur. 

0    retributio!    stat    brevis    actio, 

vita  perennis; 

0  retributio!    ccelica  mansio   stat 

lue  plenis. 

Sunt     modo     proelia,     postmodo 

praemia, — qualia?  plena: 

Plena    refectio,    nullaque    passio, 

nullaque  poena. 

Spe  modo  vivitur,  et  Sion  angitur 

a  Babylone; 

Nunc    tribulatio,    tunc    recreatio, 

sceptra,  coronae. 

Qui  modo  creditur,  ipse  videbitur 

atque  scietur, 

Ipse    videntibus    atque    scientibus 

attribuetur. 


BRIEF  life  is  here  our  portion; 
Brief  sorrow,  short-lived  care; 
The  life  that  knows  no  ending. 
The  tearless  life,  is  there. 

0  happy  retribution! 
Short  toil,  eternal  rest; 
For  mortals  and  for  sinners 
A  mansion  with  the  blest! 

And  now  we  fight  the  battle. 
But  then  shall  wear  the  crown 
Of  full  and  everlasting 
And  passionless  renown; 

And  now  we  watch  and  struggle, 
And  now  we  live  in  hope. 
And  Sion  in  her  anguish 
With  Babylon  must  cope; 

But  He   whom   now   we   trust  in 
Shall  then  be  seen  and  known; 
And  they  that  know  and  see  Him 
Shall  have  Him  for  their  own. 


Mane  videbitur,  umbra  fugabitur.  The  morning  shall  awaken, 

ordo  patebit;  The  shadows  shall  decay. 

Mane  nitens  erit,  et  bona  qui  gerit.  And  each  true-hearted  servant 

ille  nitebit.  Shall  shine  as  doth  the  day. 

Nunc      tibi      tristia,      tunc      tibi  There  grief  is  turned  to  pleasure, 

gaudia, — gaudia,  quanta  Such  pleasure  as  below 

Vox  nequit  edere,  lumina  cernere.  No  human  voice  can  utter, 

tangere  planta.  No  human  heart  can  know. 

Pars  mea,  rex  meus,  in  proprio  There  God,  our  King  and  Portion, 

Deus  ipse  decore  In  fulness  of  His  grace, 

Visus    amabitur,    atque    videbitur  Shall  we  behold  forever, 

auctor  in  ore.  And  worship  face  to  face. 

352 


172 


DE  CONTEMPTU  MUNDI 
O  bona  patria 


OBONA  patria,  lumina  sobria  Tj^OR  thee,  0  dear,  dear  country, 

te  speculantur;  J-      Mine  eyes  their  vigils  keep; 

Ad    tua    nomina    sobria    lumina  For  very  love,  beholding 

collacrimantur.  Thy  happy  name,  they  weep. 

Est    tua    mentio    pectoris    unctio.  The  mention  of  thy  glory 

cura  doloris.  Is  unction  to  the  breast, 

Concipientibus    aethera    mentibus  And  medicine  in  sickness, 

ignis  amoris.  And  love,  and  life,  and  rest. 


Tu   locus   unicus   illeque    coelicus 

es  paradisus. 

Non  tibi  lacrima,  sed  placidissima 

gaudia,  risus. 

Lux  tua   mors  crucis  atque  caro 

ducis  est  crucifixi; 

Laus,  benedictio,  conjubilatio  per- 

sonat  Ipsi. 


O  one,  0  only  mansion! 

0  Paradise  of  joy! 

Where  tears  are  ever  banished, 

And  smiles  have  no  alloy; 

The  Cross  is  all  thy  splendor; 
The  Crucified  thy  praise; 
His  laud  and  benediction 
Thy  ransomed  people  raise. 


Est   ibi   consita    laurus,   et   insita  With  jaspers  glow  thy  bulwarks, 

cedrus  hysopo;  Thy  streets  with  emeralds  blaze; 

Sunt     radiantia     jaspide     mcenia.  The  sardius  and  the  topaz 

clara  pyropo.  Unite  in  thee  their  rays; 

Hinc  tibi  sardius,   inde  topazius.  Thine  ageless  walls  are  bonded 

hinc  amethystus.  With  amethyst  unpriced; 

Est    tua    fabrica    contio    coelica.  Thy  Saints  build  up  its  fabric, 

gemmaque  Christus.  The  corner-stone  is  Christ. 

Tu    sine    litore,   tu   sine   tempore  Thou  hast  no  shore,  fair  ocean! 

fons,  modo  rivus;  Thou  hast  no  time,  bright  day! 

Dulce  bonis  sapis,  estque  tibi  lapis  Dear  fountain  of  refreshment 

undique  vivus.  To  pilgrims  far  away! 

Est  tibi  laurea,  dos  datur  aurea.  Upon  the  Rock  of  Ages 

sponsa  decora.  They  raise  thy  holy  tower; 

Primaque     principis     oscula     su-  Thine  is  the  victor's  laurel, 

scipis,  inspicis  ora.  And  thine  the  golden  dower. 


173 


Urbs  Sion  aurea 


T  TRBS  Sion  aurea,  patria  lactea,  TERUSALEM  the  golden, 

^  cive  decora,  J  With  milk  and  honey  blest, 

Omne    cor    obruis,    omnibus    ob-  Beneath  thy  contemplation 

struis  et  cor  et  ora.  Sink  heart  and  voice  opprest. 

353 


COMMON  OF  SAINTS 


Nescio,  nescio,  quae  jubilatio,  lux 

tibi  qualis, 

Quam  socialia  gaudia,  gloria  quam 

specialis. 

Sunt     Sion     atria    conjubilantia, 

martyre  plena, 

Give    micantia,    principe    stantia, 

luce  serena. 

Sunt   ibi   pascua   mentibus   afflua 

praestita  Sanctis; 

Regis  ibi  thronus,  agminis  et  sonus 

est  epulantis. 

Gens  duce  splendida,  contio  Can- 
dida vestibus  albis, 
Sunt  sine  fletibus  in  Sion  sedibus, 
aedibus  almis. 


I  know  not,  0  I  know  not 
What  joys  await  us  there, 
What  radiancy  of  glory, 
What  light  beyond  compare. 

They  stand,  those  halls  of  Sion, 
Con  jubilant  with  song. 
And  bright  with  many  an  Angel, 
And  all  the  Martyr  throng; 

The  Prince  is  ever  in  them. 
The  daylight  is  serene. 
The  pastures  of  the  blessed. 
Are  decked  in  glorious  sheen. 

There  is  the  throne  of  David; 
And  there,  from  care  released, 
The  song  of  them  that  triumph, 
The  shout  of  them  that  feast; 

And  they  who  with  their  Leader 
Have  conquered  in  the  fight. 
Forever  and  forever 
Are  clad  in  robes  of  white. 


S54 


AUTHORS  OF  THE  LATIN  HYMNS 

AMBROSE,  ST.  (340-397),  Bishop  of  Milan,  is  justly 
styled  "the  Father  of  Church-song  in  the  West."  He  be- 
came, like  St.  Hilary,  a  great  champion  of  orthodoxy  against 
the  Arians  in  the  West.  And  it  was  while  he  and  his 
faithful  flock  v/ere  besieged  in  his  Cathedral  by  the  im- 
perial troops  that,  as  St.  Augustine  tells  us,  he  first  com- 
posed hymns  for  them  to  sing  "lest  they  faint  through 
fatigue^  of  sorrow."  The  simple,  austere  hymns  of  St. 
Ambrose  have  always  been  considered  the  ideal  in  Church- 
song.  Many  hymns  have  been  ascribed  to  him,  and  there 
is  some  difference  of  opinion  as  to  what  hymns  he  actually 
wrote.  The  latest  authority  on  this  subject  is  the  eminent 
hymnologist  Father  Dreves,  who  made  a  careful  study  of 
the  early  hymnaries  in  the  Vatican  and  at  Milan.  He  thus 
classifies  the  hymns  of  St.  Ambrose : 

I.  Certified  as  his  hy  early  writers.    JEterne  rernm  Hoti-, 
ditor.    2.  Deus  Cypf^t^^  oTYininm     3.    Illuminans  altissimus. 
4.  Veni  Redemptor  gentium.    5.  Jam  surgit  hora.  terti^. 

li.  Others  also  genuine.  6.  JEterna  Christi  munera,  Et 
martyrum.  7.  Agnes  beatsB  virginis.  8.  Amore  Christi  no- 
bilis.  9.  Apostolorum  passio.  10.  Apostolorum  supparem. 
11.  Grates  tibi,  Jesu,  novas.  12.  Hie  est  dies  verus  Dei.  13. 
Splendor  paternse  glorias.    14.    Victor,  Nabor,  Felix,  pii. 

III.  Possibly  his.  15.  Jesu  corona  virginum.  16.  Nunc, 
Sancte  nobis  Spiritus.  17.  Rector  potens,  verax  Deus.  18. 
Rerum  Deus  tenax  vigor. 

The  Benedictine  editors  of  the  works  of  St.  Ambrose 
assign  twelve  to  him.  Among  them,  and  not  mentioned 
above,  are  the  two  Breviary  hymns:  Somno  refectis  artu- 
bus,  and  Consors  paternas  luminis. 

There  are  three  excellent  articles  in  the  Cath.  Encycl. 
on  Ambrosian  Hymnnrfrnphy,  Amhrosian  Chant,  and  ...Am- 
brose, St.    Hymns :  2,  3,  4,  9, 11, 12,  13,  154,  158,  163. 

SMKKOSIAN.     a  great  many  hymns,  mostly  of   the 

355 


AUTHORS  OF  THE  HYMNS 

fifth  or  sixth  century,  are  styled  Amhrosiani — Ambrosian 
hymns.  They  are  so  styled  either  because  they  were 
formerly  supposed  to  have  been  written  by  St.  Ambrose, 
or  because  they  imitate  the  stanzaic  form,  the  style,  meter, 
and  austere  objectiveness  of  the  genuine  hymns  of  the 
Saint.  It  is  now  known  for  certain  that  many  hymns 
formerly  thought  to  be  his  are  the  compositions  of  unknown 
writers.  These  hymns  are  uniformly  written  in  Iambic 
dimeter.  The  term  Ambrosian  implies  no  ascription  of 
authorship,  but  merely  a  poetical  form.  Hymns ;  1,  5,  20, 
21,  22,  29,  35,  36,  37,  38,  50,  60,  61,  62,  63,  64,  65,  66,  69, 
71,  155,  157,  161,  162. 

ANTONIANO,  CARDINAL  SILVIO  (1540-1603)  was 
educated  at  the  University  of  Ferrara,  in  which  institution 
he  later  became  professor  of  classical  literature.  He  is 
best  known  as  a  student  of  educational  problems.  Hymn : 
165. 

BELLARMINE,  CARDINAL  (1542-1621)  was  a  dis- 
tinguished Jesuit  theologian  and  controversialist.  He 
was  born  at  Montepulciano  in  Italy.  He  became  Arch- 
bishop of  Capua  but  resigned  that  see  to  accept  the  office 
of  librarian  of  the  Vatican.  He  was  proclaimed  Venerable 
by  Pope  Urban  VIII,  in  1627.    Hymns:  125,  136,  137. 

BERNARD  OF  CLAIRVAUX,  ST.  (1091-1153)  was  born 
near  Dijon  in  France.  Abbot  and  Doctor  of  the  Church — 
surnamed  the  ''Mellifluous  Doctor."  There  is  much  doubt 
as  to  the  authorship  of  the  hymns  usually  ascribed  to  St. 
Bernard.  Even  his  claim  to  the  celebrated  hymn,  Jesu 
dulcis  memoria  has  been  called  in  question.  Dom  Pothier 
found  it  in  a  MS.  of  the  11th  century,  in  which  it  is  ascribed 
to  a  Benedictine  Abbess.  During  his  lifetime,  St.  Bernard 
exercised  an  extraordinary  influence  both  by  his  eloquence 
and  by  his  writings.    Hymns :  43,  44,  45,  130. 

BERNARD  OF  CLUNY  (or  of  Morlaix)  was  born  at 
Morlaix  in  Brittany  early  in  the  12th  century.  He  entered 
the  celebrated  Benedictine  Abbey  of  Cluny  where  he  re- 
mained until  his  death,  the  date  of  which  is  unknown.  He 
is  the  author  of  one  of  the  most  famous  poems  of  the 
Middle  Ages,  the  De  contemptu  mundi,  which  contains 
about  3,000  lines  in  dactylic  hexameters.    It  is  dedicated 

356 


AUTHORS  OF  THE  HYMNS 

to  Peter  the  Venerable,  Abbot  of  Cluny  (1122-1156). 
There  is  a  fine  analysis  of  this  great  poem  in  the  article  on 
Bernard  of  Cluny,  in  the  Cath.  Encycl.  Hymns :  170,  171, 
172,  173. 

ELPIS  (d.  about  493)  was  the  wife  of  the  philosopher 
Boethius  (480-524).  Elpis  was  the  aunt  of  St.  Placidus, 
the  well-known  disciple  of  St.  Benedict.  Recent  researches, 
however,  have  led  to  the  conclusion  that  there  is  no  reason, 
or  at  least  insuflBcient  reason,  to  ascribe  the  authorship  of 
Aurea  luce  {Decora  lux)  to  Elpis.  None  of  the  ancient 
MSS.  attribute  it  to  her  (James  Mearns  in  the  Did.  of 
Eymnology,  p.  1632).    Hymns :  90,  91, 116,  117. 

FORTUNATUS,  VENANTIUS  (530-609)  was  a  native 
of  the  district  of  Treviso  in  Upper  Italy  and  was  educated 
at  Ravenna,  where  he  devoted  himself  to  the  study  of 
oratory  and  poetry.  He  was  miraculously  cured  of  a 
disease  of  the  eyes  through  the  intercession  of  St.  Martin 
of  Tours.  It  was  while  on  a  visit  to  the  tomb  of  this  Saint 
that  he  made  the  acquaintance  of  Queen  Radegunde  at 
Poitiers.  It  was  here  that  he  was  ordained  priest,  and 
later  consecrated  Bishop  of  Poitiers,  where  he  remained 
until  his  death.  Fortunatus  represents  ''the  last  expiring 
effort  of  the  Latin  muse  in  Gaul"  to  retain  something  of 
the  ''old  classical  culture  amid  the  advancing  tide  of  bar- 
barism" {Diet,  of  Hymnol.,  p.  383).  Hymns:  51,  52,  53, 
150,  151. 

GREGORY  THE  GREAT,  ST.  (540-604).  This  illustri- 
ous Pope  and  Doctor  of  the  Church  was  born  at  Rome, 
where  he  founded  the  Benedictine  monastery  of  St. 
Andrew,  of  which  he  himself  became  Abbot.  Much  against 
his  owTi  will  he  was  elected  Pope  to  succeed  Pelagius  II,  in 
590,  The  Benedictine  editors  of  St.  Gregory's  works 
ascribe  to  him  eight  hymns.  Daniel  assigns  him  three 
others.  In  the  light  of  the  latest  researches  it  must  be 
admitted  that  Pope  Gregory's  place  in  hymnody  cannot  as 
yet  be  definitely  fixed.  Hymns:  6,  7,  10,  15,  17,  19,  23,  24, 
25  26  27  28  48  49  126 

HERMANN  CONTRACTUS  (1013-1058)  was  born  at 
Altshausen  in  Suabia.  He  was  a  cripple  from  birth  and 
could  not  move  without  assistance — hence  the  surname 

357 


AUTHORS  OF  THE  HYMNS 

Contractus,  the  crippled.  Despite  his  physical  defects,  he 
entered  the  school  of  St.  Gall  in  his  seventh  year,  and 
quickly  mastered  Greek,  Latin,  Arabic,  history,  music, 
mathematics,  philosophy,  and  theology.  He  was  one  of  the 
most  learned  men  of  his  time.  At  the  age  of  thirty  he 
entered  the  Benedictine  monastery  of  Reichenau,  where  he 
became  Abbot  and  spent  the  remainder  of  his  days. 
Hymns :  30,  33. 

HILARY,  ST.  (d.  368).  Bishop,  Confessor,  and  Doctor 
of  the  Church.  He  was  born  at  Poitiers  of  heathen 
parents ;  and  it  was  in  his  native  city  that  he  was  elected 
Bishop.  As  Bishop,  his  strenuous  opposition  to  the  Arian 
heresy  earned  him  the  title  of  Malleus  Arianorum — ''The 
Hammer  of  the  Arians."  His  hostility  to  the  Arians 
caused  him  to  be  exiled  to  the  distant  coasts  of  Phrygia. 
Many  hymns  have  been  ascribed  to  St.  Hilary,  most  of 
which  are  of  doubtful  authenticity.  In  1887,  a  fragment  of 
St.  Hilary's  Liber  Hymnorum  was  discovered.  This  con- 
tains three  hymns  or  parts  of  hymns  which  can  with  rea- 
sonable certainty  be  ascribed  to  him.  Hymn  70  has  often 
been  ascribed  to  him,  but  on  insufficient  evidence. 

INNOCENT  III,  POPE  (1161-1216)  was  born  at  Anagni 
in  Italy.  He  was  one  of  the  most  learned  theologians  and 
jurists  of  his  time.  During  his  active  reign,  which  lasted 
eighteen  years,  the  Papacy  reached  the  zenith  of  its  power 
and  influence.    Hymn :  67. 

INNOCENT  VI,  POPE  (d.  1362)  was  born  at  Mont  in 
France.  He  attained  eminence  as  a  professor  of  civil  law 
at  Toulouse.  As  Pope  he  was  actuated  by  lofty  ideals  and 
did  much  to  reform  abuses.    Hymn :  80. 

JACOPONE  DA  TODI  (or  Jacobus  de  Benedictis)  was 
born  at  Todi  in  Italy  early  in  the  thirteenth  century,  and 
died  at  an  advanced  age  in  1306.  He  studied  law,  probably 
at  Bologna,  and  for  some  years  he  followed  the  profession 
of  advocate.  About  1278  he  entered  the  Franciscan  Order, 
in  which,  out  of  humility,  he  chose  to  remain  a  simple  lay 
brother  till  the  end  of  his  life.    Hymns :  54,  55,  56,  57. 

LEO  XIII,  POPE  (1810-1903)  was  born  at  Carpineto  in 
Italy.  He  was  Nuncio  to  Brussels,  and  for  thirty-two  years 
Bishop  of  Perugia.    He  was  elected  Pope  in  1878.    His  long 

358 


AUTHORS  OF  THE  HYMNS 

reign  during  troublous  times  afforded  him  ample  opportuni- 
ties for  the  exercise  of  consummate  statesmanship.  The 
whole  world  recognized  his  great  intellectual  endowments. 
His  Latin  Poems,  Charades,  Inscriptions,  and  Hymns  are 
translated  by  the  Rt.  Rev.  Monsignor  H.  T.  Henry,  Litt. 
D.  {Dolphin  Press,  Philadelphia).    Hymns:  95,  96,  97. 

LORENZINI,  FRANCESCO  M.  (1680-1743)  was  an 
Italian  poet  born  in  Rome.  He  acquired  a  high  reputation 
as  a  poet,  and  was  remarkable  for  the  energy  of  his  style. 
He  became  president  of  the  Academy  of  Arcades  in  1728. 
Hymn:  112. 

NICETAS,  ST.  (335-415)  was  Bishop  of  Remesiana,  in 
what  is  now  modern  Serbia.  He  was  a  friend  and  con- 
temporary of  St.  Paulinus  of  Nola.  SS.  Paulinus  and 
Jerome  praise  Nicetas  as  a  hymn-writer.    Hymn:  8. 

ODO,  ST.  (879-942),  Abbot  of  the  celebrated  Abbey  of 
Cluny,  was  born  near  Le  Mans  in  France.  He  was  widely 
known  as  a  promoter  and  reformer  of  religious  life  in 
France  and  Italy.  He  is  the  author  of  an  epic  poem  on 
the  Redemption.    Hymn :  127. 

PALUMBELLA,  CALLISTO  was  a  Bishop  of  the 
Servite  Order.  He  lived  in  the  eighteenth  century. 
Hymns :  131,  132,  133. 

PAULINUS,  ST.  (726-802),  Patriarch  of  Aquileia,  was 
born  near  Cividale  in  Italy.  He  possessed  a  profound 
knowledge  of  the  sciences  of  jurisprudence  and  theology, 
and  was  equally  well  versed  in  the  Scriptures  and  in  the 
writings  of  the  Fathers.  He  was  a  friend  of  Charlemagne, 
whom  he  greatly  assisted  in  restoring  civilization  in  the 
West.    Hymns:  89,  128. 

PAUL  THE  DEACON  (b.  circa  720— d.  circa  799). 
Paul  was  born  at  Friuli  in  Italy.  He  was  celebrated  both 
as  a  poet  and  as  an  historian.  He  was  a  Benedictine  monk 
of  Monte  Cassino.  Among  his  works  is  a  valuable  ' '  History 
of  the  Lombards, ' '  and  a  ' '  Commentary  on  the  Rule  of  St. 
Benedict."    Hymns:  113,  114,  115. 

PRUDENTIUS,  AURELIUS  CLEMENS  (348-413) 
was  born  in  northern  Spain.  He  was  successively  an  ad- 
vocate, a  judge,  and  the  holder  of  some  important  military 
position  at  court.    At  the  age  of  fifty-seven  he  retired  from 

359 


AUTHORS  OF  THE  HYMNS 

active  life  and  devoted  the  remainder  of  his  days  to  the 
service  of  God,  and  to  the  writing  of  sacred  poetry.  His 
poem,  the  Catliemerinon,  is  frequently  referred  to  in  this 
volume.  A  new  and  excellent  translation  of  it  by  Messrs. 
Pope  and  Davis,  with  Latin  and  English  texts  on  opposite 
pages,  is  published  by  J.  M.  Dent  &  Co.,  Aldine  House, 
London,  W.  C,  England;  208  pages,  with  notes.  Hymns: 
14,  16,  18,  41,  42,  47,  129. 

RABANUS  MAURUS  (776-856)  was  born  at  Mainz  in 
Germany.  He  studied  under  Alcuin  at  Tours,  and  became 
successively  Abbot  of  the  Benedictine  monastery  of  Fulda, 
and  Archbishop  of  Mainz.  He  is  commonly  reputed  to  have 
been  the  most  learned  man  of  his  age.  His  fame  as  a 
teacher  spread  throughout  Europe,  and  Fulda  became  the 
most  celebrated  seat  of  learning  in  the  Frankish  Empire. 
Hymns:  68,  134,  135,  147,  148. 

RICCHINI,  AUGUSTINE,  18th  cent.  Father  Ricchini 
was  a  Dominican,  a  friend  of  Pope  Benedict  XIV,  and 
successively  Secretary  of  the  Congregation  of  the  Index, 
and  Master  of  the  Sacred  Palace.  Hymns:  138,  139,  140, 
141. 

SEDULIUS,  CAELIUS,  was  born  probably  at  Rome  in 
the  5th  century.  Late  in  life  he  became  a  convert  to 
Christianity  and  remained  a  lajinan.  His  principal  work 
is  his  Carmen  Paschale,  in  five  books.  The  first  book  con- 
tains a  summary  of  the  Old  Testament ;  the  remaining  four 
contain  a  summary  of  the  New  Testament.    Hymns :  39,  46. 

TAROZZI,  VINCENTIUS,  was  Secretary  of  Latin 
Letters  to  Pope  Leo  XIII,  who  was  Pope  from  1878-1903. 
No  other  information  obtainable.    Hymns:  101,  102,  103. 

THEODULPH,  ST.  (760-821)  was  Bishop  of  Orleans  in 
France.  He  was  probably  an  Italian  by  birth.  He  became 
a  member  of  the  court  of  Charlemagne,  through  whose  in- 
fluence he  became  Bishop  of  Orleans.  * '  After  the  death  of 
Charles  he  continued  for  some  time  on  friendly  terms  with 
the  Emperor  Louis,  but,  falling  under  suspicion  of  being 
concerned  in  the  plot  in  favor  of  Bernard  of  Italy,  he  was 
imprisoned  in  818,  at  Angers,  where  he  seems  to  have  died 
in  821"  (Julian's  Diet,  of  Hymnol).   Hymn:  58. 

THOMAS   AQUINAS,    ST.    (1227-1274)    was   born   at 

360 


AUTHORS  OF  THE  HYMNS 

Aquino,  a  to^Ti  near  Naples.  He  entered  the  Dominican 
Order  and  became  one  of  the  greatest  doctors  of  the 
Church.  He  is  by  common  consent,  * '  The  Poet  of  the  Most 
Holy  Sacrament  of  the  Altar. ' '  He  composed  the  Mass  and 
Office  of  the  Feast  of  Corpus  Christi  and  five  sublime 
hymns  in  honor  of  the  Blessed  Sacrament.  Hymns:  75, 
76,  77,  78,  79. 

THOMAS  OF  CELANO  was  born  at  Celano  in  Italy 
about  1200,  and  died  about  1255.  He  was  one  of  the  first 
disciples  of  St.  Francis  Assisi.  On  the  death  of  St.  Francis, 
Thomas,  at  the  request  of  Pope  Gregory  IX,  wrote  his 
life.  He  also  wrote  two  beautiful  sequences  in  honor  of 
St.  Francis.  His  immortality  as  a  poet  is  based  on  his 
very  probable  authorship  of  the  greatest  of  all  hymns,  the 
Dies  Irce.    Hymn:  87. 

URBAN  VIII,  POPE  (1568-1644)  was  born  at  Florence, 
and  was  educated  at  the  Collegio  Romano.  He  graduated 
from  the  University  of  Padua  as  Doctor  of  Laws.  He  is 
commonly  recognized  as  a  generous  patron  of  learning,  and 
was  himself  a  man  of  letters,  and  an  elegant  writer  and 
poet.  It  is  not  unnatural  that  a  man  of  his  taste  and 
culture  should  have  become  imbued  with  the  Humanistic 
spirit  of  the  age  in  which  he  lived.  It  was  under  his  direc- 
tions that  the  hymns  of  the  Roman  Breviary  were  revised 
by  a  committee  of  four  distinguished  Jesuit  scholars.  The 
revised  hymns  were  published  in  1632,  and  are  still  found 
in  the  Roman  Breviary.  Hymns :  92,  93,  94,  107,  108,  123, 
124,  142,  143. 

WIPO  was  a  native  of  Burgundy,  and  flourished  during 
the  first  half  of  the  eleventh  century.  He  was  a  secular 
priest,  and  was  for  some  time  chaplain  to  the  Emperors 
Conrad  II,  and  Henry  III,  to  each  of  whom  he  presented  a 
collection  of  poems.    Hymn:  59. 

XAVIER,  ST.  FRANCIS  (1506-1552),  the  Apostle  of 
India  and  Japan,  was  born  near  Sanguesa  in  Spain.  He 
studied  at  the  University  of  Paris,  and  was  one  of  the  first 
associates  of  St.  Ignatius  of  Loyola  when  the  latter 
founded  the  Society  of  Jesus.  Shortly  after  his  ordination 
he  began  his  wonderful  missionary  career  which  ended  only 
with  his  death.    Hymn :  74. 

361 


TRANSLATORS  OF  THE  HYMNS 

AYLWARD,  VERY  REV.  JAMES  AMBROSE,  O.P. 

(1813-1872)  was  the  Dominican  Prior  at  Woodchester, 
England.  His  translations  were  edited  by  Mr.  Orby 
Shipley,  in  whose  Annus  Sanctus  many  of  them  appear. 
^'Father  Aylward,"  says  Mr.  Shipley,  "was  a  cultured  and 
talented  priest  of  varied  powers  and  gifts,  whose  memory 
is  held  dear  by  all  who  knew  and  were  influenced  by  him. ' ' 
Hymns :  67,  68,  87. 

BAGSHAWE,  MOST  REV.  EDWARD  GILPIN  (1829- 
1915).  Educated  at  St.  Mary's  College  Oscott,  and  at  Lon- 
don University.  Bishop  of  Nottingham  (1874),  titular 
Archbishop  of  Seleucia  (1904).  Translated  all  the  hymns 
of  the  Breviary  and  Missal  in  his  Breviary  Hymns  and 
Missal  Sequences  (Burns,  Oates  and  Washbourne,  London, 
1900).  His  translations  are  the  latest  as  well  as  the  most 
literal  of  all  the  translations  of  our  Latin  hymns.  His  sole 
aim  was  "to  keep  to  the  sense  of  the  original,  neither  add- 
ing to  this  nor  taking  from  it"  {Preface).  His  translations 
are  too  labored  and  prosy,  but  it  is  unfair  to  judge  them 
without  considering  the  purpose  of  their  pious  author. 
Hymns :  98,  146. 

BALL,  REV.  THOMAS  ISAAC,  LLD.  (1838-1916). 
Dr.  Ball  contributed  numerous  translations  of  Latin  hymns 
to  many  hymnals,  notable  among  which  are  the  Appendix 
to  the  Hymfial  Noted,  1863,  and  The  New  Office  Hymn  Book, 
1905.  His  translations  are  faithful,  musical,  and  sustained. 
Hymns :  81,  90,  135. 

BENEDICTINES  OF  STANBROOK,  Worcester,  Eng- 
land. The  translations  ascribed  to  The  Benedictines  of 
Stanhrook  are  taken  from  their  classic  little  volume  The 
Day  Hours  of  the  Church,  which  contains  the  Breviary 
Office  in  Latin  and  English  for  all  the  Hours  except 
Matins.  (Burns,  Oates  and  Washbourne,  London,  1916.) 
Hymns :  99,  100,  121,  122,  140. 

362 


TRANSLATORS  OF  THE  HYMNS 

BLACKER,  REV.  MAXWELL  JULIUS,  MA.  (1822- 
1888).  Mr.  Blacker  was  educated  at  Merton  College,  Ox- 
ford. His  numerous  translations  from  the  Latin  are  in 
The  Hymner.    Hymns :  10,  114,  115,  151. 

BLOUNT,  WALTER  KIRKHAM  (d.  1717).  Author  of 
the  Office  of  Holy  Week,  Paris,  1670.    Hymn :  51. 

BLEW,  REV.  WM.  JOHN,  M.A.  (1808-1894)  was  edu- 
cated at  Wadham  College,  Oxford.  ''His  translations  are 
terse,  vigorous,  musical,  and  of  great  merit.  They  have 
been  strangely  overlooked  by  the  compilers  of  recent  hymn- 
books"  {Diet,  of  Hymnol.).  His  translations  appeared  in 
The  Church  Hymn  and  Tune  Booh,  1852.    Hymns :  70,  113. 

BUTE,  THE  MARQUESS  OF,  M.A.  (1847-1900)  was 
educated  at  Christ  Church,  Oxford.  Convert,  1869. 
Translator  of  the  Roman  Breviary  into  English.  The 
translations  of  Latin  hymns  in  his  Roman  Breviary  in 
English  are  the  work  of  many  scholars,  both  Catholic  and 
non-Catholic.  It  is  not  known  which  hymns  are  from  the 
pen  of  the  Marquess.  The  following  are  from  his  Roman 
Breviary:  84,  95,  141. 

CAMPBELL,  ROBERT  (1814-1868)  was  an  advocate  of 
Skerrington,  Scotland.  Convert,  1852.  Educated  at  the 
Universities  of  Glasgow  and  Edinburgh.  In  1850  many 
of  his  translations  appeared  in  the  St.  Andrew's  Hymnal. 
Many  others  were  left  by  him  in  MSS.  and  were  edited  by 
Mr.  Orby  Shipley.  From  these  Mr.  Shipley  published  a 
considerable  number  in  his  Annus  Sanctus,  1884.  His 
translations  are  ''smooth,  musical,  and  sustained"  {Diet, 
of  Hymnol.).    Hymns:  59B,  60,  62. 

CASWALL,  REV.  EDWARD,  M.A.  (1814-1878)  was 
educated  at  Brasenose  College,  Oxford.  Convert,  1847. 
After  his  conversion  he  joined  Cardinal  Newman  at  the 
Oratory,  Edgbaston.  Father  Caswall,  despite  the  great 
names  of  Newman,  Faber,  and  others,  is  pre-eminently 
"The  Poet  of  the  Oratory"  (Father  Matthew  Russell, 
S.J.).  With  Dr.  Neale,  Father  Caswall  shares  the  honor  of 
being  the  most  felicitous  of  the  translators  of  our  Latin 
Hymns.  His  translations  appeared  in  his  Lyra  Catholica, 
in  1848,  the  year  following  his  reception  into  the  Church. 
"  Caswall 's  translations  of  Latin  hymns  from  the  Roman 

363 


TRANSLATORS  OF  THE  HYMNS 

Breviary  and  other  sources  have  a  wider  circulation  in 
modern  hymnals  than  those  of  any  other  translator,  Dr. 
Neale  alone  excepted.  This  is  owing  to  his  general  faith- 
fulness to  the  originals,  and  to  the  purity  of  his  rhythm" 
{Diet,  of  Hymnol.).  Many  of  Father  Caswall's  translations 
appear  in  the  Amius  Sanctus  and  are  characterized  by  Mr. 
Shipley  as  "vigorous,  dogmatic  hymns."  Father  Caswall 
translated  the  Roman  Breviary  Text.  Despite  his  un- 
doubted ability  as  a  translator,  one  can  not  but  regret  that 
so  many  of  his  translations  are  in  Common  Meter  instead 
of  Long  Meter.  Hymns :  22,  31,  32,  37,  42B,  43,  47,  54,  73, 
74,  76,  78,  83,  85,  86,  88,  89,  93,  106,  107,  108,  110,  111,  112, 
117,  119,  124,  125,  126,  127,  132,  134,  137,  147,  148,  152,  153, 
162,  165,  167. 

CHADWICK,  JOSEPH  WILLIAM,  M.A.  (1841-1882). 
Educated  at  Queen's  College,  Oxford.  Vicar  of  Westgate 
Common,  Wakefield.  His  translations  in  this  volume  are 
from  The  Hymner.    Hymns :  13,  17,  19. 

CHAMBERS,  JOHN  DAVID,  M.A.  (1805-1893)  was 
educated  at  Oriel  College,  Oxford,  and  was  admitted  to  the 
bar  in  1831.  His  translations  are  found  principally  in  his 
Lauda  Syon,  which  appeared  in  two  parts  in  1857  and 
1866.  ''His  translations  of  Latin  hymns  are  close,  clear, 
and  poetical;  they  have  much  strength  and  earnestness, 
and  the  rhythm  is  easy  and  musical  .  .  .  Greater  use, 
however,  might  be  made  of  these  translations  than  has  been 
done.  Their  earnestness  and  dignity  would  raise  the  tone 
of  many  collections"  {Diet,  of  Hymnol.).  Hymns;  13,  21, 
28,  161. 

COPELAND,  WM.  JOHN,  M.A.  (1804-1885).  Mr. 
Copeland  was  educated  at  Trinity  College,  Oxford.  His 
translations,  mostly  from  the  Roman  Breviary  Text,  ap- 
peared in  his  Hymns  for  the  Week  and  Seasons  (1848). 
He  was  also  the  editor  of  Cardinal  Newman's  Sermons. 
Hymn:  9. 

COURTHOPE,  WILLIAM  JOHN,  LL.D.  (1842-1917), 
was  educated  at  Harrow,  and  New  College,  Oxford.  Mr. 
Courthope  was  professor  of  poetry  at  Oxford,  1895-1901. 
Author  of  History  of  English  Poetry,  4  vols.,  1895-1903. 
He  contributed  five  beautiful  translations  of  Latin  hynms 

364 


TRANSLATORS  OF  THE  HYMNS 

to  Church  Hymns,  1903 ;  through  the  kindness  of  The  Mac- 
millan  Company  all  of  these  spirited  translations  appear 
in  this  volume.    Hymns :  14,  16,  18,  27,  36. 

DEARMER,  REV.  PERCY,  MA.,  D.D.  (b.  1867),  was 
educated  at  Christ  Church,  Oxford.  He  was  one  of  the 
compilers  of  the  English  Hymnal,  1906,  to  which  he  con- 
tributed ten  translations.  He  was  appointed  to  the  Chair 
of  Ecclesiastical  Art,  King's  College,  London,  1919.  Hymn : 
156. 

DONAHOE,  JUDGE  DANIEL  JOSEPH,  was  born  at 
Brimfield,  Mass.,  1853,  and  was  educated  at  Wesleyan 
University.  He  is  the  author  of  several  volumes  of  poetry, 
original  and  translated.  His  translations  from  the  Latin 
comprise  two  volumes  under  the  title  Early  Christian 
Hymns,  published  by  the  Donahoe  Publishing  Co.,  Middle- 
town,  Conn.  These  translations,  288  in  all,  include  115 
hymns  from  the  Breviary  and  Missal.  They  are  uniformly 
musical  but  quite  free.  Early  Christian  Hymns  is  the  most 
extensive  work  of  its  kind  thus  far  undertaken  in  America, 
or  even  in  England  since  the  days  of  Neale  and  Caswall. 
Judge  Donahoe  is  a  frequent  contributor  to  several  maga- 
zines.   Hymns :  86,  123,  142,  143,  159. 

DORAN,  J.  W.  No  information  obtainable.  His  trans- 
lations are  from  The  Hymner.    Hymns :  69,  151. 

DRYDEN,  JOHN  (1631-1701).  Poet-Laureate,  1670. 
Convert,  1685.  Mr.  Orby  Shipley  and  Mr.  W.  T.  Brooke 
ascribe  to  John  Dryden  the  bulk  of  the  120  translations  of 
Latin  hymns  in  The  Primer,  or  Office  of  the  B.  V.  Mary  in 
English,  1706.  Many  of  these  translations  are  in  the  Annus 
Sanctus,  the  Preface  of  which  contains  a  discussion  of  the 
question  of  Dryden 's  authorship.    Hymns:  50,  72. 

ELLERTON,  REV.  JOHN,  M.A  (1826-1893).  Mr.  El- 
lerton  was  educated  at  Trinity  College,  Cambridge.  He  is 
widely  kno"v\Ti  as  an  hymnologist,  editor,  hymn-writer,  and 
translator.  He  was  one  of  the  editors  of  Church  Hymns, 
1871,  published  by  the  Society  for  Promoting  Christian 
Knowledge  (  8.  P.  C.K.).  Hymn:  4. 

PABER,  FREDERIC  WILLIAM,  D.D.  (1814-1863). 
Father  Faber  was  educated  at  Balliol  College,  Oxford. 
Convert,   1845.     In   1849   he   established   in   London   the 

365 


TRANSLATORS  OF  THE  HYMNS 

*  *  Oratorians, ' '  or  Priests  of  the  Congregation  of  St.  Philip 
Neri,  where  he  remained  as  superior  until  his  death. 
Father  Faber  is  the  author  of  many  well  known  prose 
works  full  of  sweetness  and  unction,  and  a  Book  of  Hymns , 
150  in  number,  many  of  which  have  become  very  popular. 
He  is  best  known  as  a  writer  of  original  hymns,  not  as  a 
translator.    Hymn:  133. 

GARESCHE,  REV.  EDWARD  FRANCIS,  S.J.,  M.A. 
(b.  1876).  Father  Garesche  was  educated  at  St.  Louis 
University,  and  at  Washington  University.  Practiced  law 
1898-1900.  Entered  the  Society  of  Jesus,  1900.  Lawyer, 
author,  professor,  poet,  and  formerly  editor  of  The 
Queen's  Work,  St.  Louis.    Hymn:  80. 

HALL,  RT.  REV.  MSGR.  CANON  LOUIS  (1844-1911) 
was  educated  at  St.  Edmund's,  Old  Hall,  and  was  ordained 
in  1868  for  the  Diocese  of  Southwark.  In  the  division  of 
the  diocese  in  1882  he  was  made  Canon  of  the  diocese  of 
Portsmouth,  and  was  several  times  Administrator  of  the 
diocese.  Msgr.  Hall  was  a  devout  and  cultured  priest,  and 
a  musician  and  composer  of  ability.  Many  of  his  hymns, 
the  editor  has  been  informed,  are  still  unpublished.  Hymn : 
116. 

HENRY,  RT.  REV.  MSGR.  HUGH  THOMAS,  LITT.D., 
LL.D.  (b.  1862),  poet,  lecturer,  and  hymnologist.  Profes- 
sor of  Homiletics  in  the  Catholic  University  of  America. 
Msgr.  Henry  was  educated  at  La  Salle  College,  the  Uni- 
versity of  Pennsylvania,  and  at  St.  Charles  Seminary, 
Overbrook,  Pa.  For  many  years  he  was  professor  of  Eng- 
lish and  of  Gregorian  Chant  at  St.  Charles,  and  rector  of 
the  Roman  Catholic  High  School  in  Philadelphia.  He  con- 
tributed to  the  Catholic  E^icyclopedia  some  fifty  scholarly 
articles  on  our  Latin  hymns.  He  is  widely  and  favorably 
known  as  a  hymn-writer  and  translator.  His  translations 
appeared  principally  in  his  Eucharistica  (Dolphin  Press, 
Philadelphia),  and  in  the  pages  of  the  American  Ecclesiasti- 
cal Review,  and  in  other  periodicals.  He  has  also  rendered 
into  English  verse  the  Poems,  Charades,  and  Inscriptions 
of  Pope  Leo  XIII  (Dolphin  Press).  Hymns:  8,  41,  75,  96, 
97,  131,  139,  144. 

HORT,  FENTON  JOHN  ANTHONY,  B.A.  (1828-1892), 

366 


TRANSLATORS  OF  THE  HYMNS 

was  educated  at  Trinity  College,  Cambridge.  He  held 
several  distinguished  appointments  at  Cambridge  Uni- 
versity.   He  translated  a  few  Latin  hymns.    Hymn :  4. 

HOUSMAN,  LAURENCE  (b.  1867).  Author  and 
artist.  He  contributed  several  translations  to  the  English 
Hymnal,  1906.  His  devotional  poetry  is  found  chiefly  in 
his  Spikenard,  1898,  and  in  his  Bethlehem,  1902.  Hymn: 
164. 

HUNTER-BLAIR,  RT.  REV.  OSWALD  (Sir  David 
Hunter-Blair,  Baronet),  O.S.B.,  M.A.  (b.  1853).  Born  at 
Dunskey,  Scotland.  Educated  at  Eton  and  Magdalen  Col- 
leges, Oxford.  Convert,  1875.  Entered  the  Benedictine 
Order  in  1878.  Master  of  Hunter-Blair 's  Hall,  Oxford, 
1899-1909.  Elected  Abbot  of  St.  Benedict's  Abbey,  Fort 
Augustus,  Scotland,  1913.  Author,  historian,  and  extensive 
contributor  to  Catholic  periodicals  and  to  the  Catholic 
Encyclopedia.    Hymns:  30,  141. 

HUSENBETH,  VERY  REV.  FREDERICK 
CHARLES,  D.D.  (1796-1872).  Educated  at  Oscott  CoUege. 
Provost  and  Vicar-General  of  Northampton  Diocese. 
Author  and  editor  of  many  volumes  pertaining  to  doctrinal, 
historical,  and  liturgical  matters.  Notable  among  these  is 
his  Missal  for  the  Laity.  A  number  of  his  translations  are 
in  Mr.  Shipley's  Annus  Sanctus.    Hymn :  82. 

IRONS,  WILLIAM  JOSIAH,  B.A.  (1812-1883).  Edu- 
cated at  Queen's  College,  Oxford.  He  is  best  known  for  his 
translation  of  the  Dies  Irce,  which  is  more  extensively  used 
than  any  other  translation  of  that  great  hymn.  Hymns: 
87D,  166. 

JULIAN,  REV.  JOHN,  D.D.  (1839-1913)  was  editor  of 
the  Dictionary  of  Eymnology,  a  monumental  work  which 
sets  forth  the  origin  and  history  of  Christian  hymns  of  all 
ages  and  nations.  It  contains  much  valuable  information 
on  Latin  hymns.    Hymn:  20. 

LACEY,  REV.  THOMAS  ALEXANDER,  M.A. 
(b.  1853).  Educated  at  Balliol  College,  Oxford.  He  was  one 
of  the  committee  that  compiled  The  English  Hymnal,  to 
which  he  contributed  eleven  translations  from  the  Latin  and 
one  from  the  Greek.  His  translations  are  of  a  high  order. 
Hymn :  48. 

367 


TRANSLATORS  OF  THE  HYMNS 

LEESON,  JANE  ELIZABETH  (1807-1882).  Of  Miss 
Leeson's  personal  history  nothing  is  known.  She  pub- 
lished several  books  of  hymns,  especially  for  children.  Her 
widely  used  translation  of  the  Victimce  Paschali  first  ap- 
peared in  Father  Formby's  Catholic  Hymns,  1851.  Miss 
Leeson,  the  editor  has  been  informed,  was  a  devout  Catholic. 
Hymn:  59. 

LITTLEDALE,  REV.  RICHARD  FREDERICK,  B.A., 
LL.D.  (1833-1890),  was  educated  at  Trinity  College,  Dublin, 
and  was  an  hymnologist  of  note.  He  contributed  hymns  to 
many  collections,  and  was  one  of  the  contributors  to  the 
Marquess  of  Bute's  Roman  Breviary  in  English.  Hymn: 
157. 

MacCARTHY,  DENIS  FLORENCE  (1817-1882)  was 
Professor  of  poetry  in  the  Catholic  University  of  Dublin. 
By  his  incomparable  version  of  Calderon,  ''the  Spanish 
Shakespeare,"  he  has  won  a  permanent  place  in  English 
letters.  He  was  an  ardent  patriot  and  a  devout  Catholic. 
Hymn:  57. 

McDOUGALL,  ALAN  G.,  was  born  in  1895,  and  was  re- 
ceived into  the  Church  in  1919.  He  resides  in  London. 
Mr.  McDougall  is  the  author  of  Pange  Lingua — a  collection 
of  Breviary  hymns  of  old  use,  with  English  metrical  trans- 
lations. The  translations  are  exceptionally  good  and  they 
rank  among  the  most  felicitous  in  the  language.  They  are 
"equal  to  Neale's  at  his  best"  is  the  opinion  of  no  less  an 
authority  than  Mr.  James  Britten.  This  is  high  praise  but 
it  is  not  unmerited.  The  volume  contains  a  scholarly  thirty- 
page  introduction  by  Dr.  Adrian  Fortescue.  Pange  Lingua 
is  published  by  Burns,  Oates  and  Washbourne,  22  Orchard 
St.,  London,  and  it  is  a  beautiful  specimen  of  the  book- 
maker's art.    Hymns:  1,  64,  77,  105,  129,  136,  138,  155. 

NEALE,  REV.  JOHN  MASON,  D.D.  (1818-1866)  was 
educated  at  Trinity  College,  Cambridge.  Dr.  Neale  was 
an  eminent  hymnologist  and  a  most  felicitous  translator 
of  Greek  and  Latin  hymns.  His  translations  of  Latin 
hymns  appeared  in  his  Mediceval  Hymns  and  Sequences, 
1851,  and  in  the  Hymnal  Noted,  1852  and  1854,  in  which  94 
out  of  the  105  hymns  therein  are  translated  from  the  Latin 
by  Dr.  Neale.     Most  modern  hymnals   contain  some  of 

368 


TRANSLATORS  OF  THE  HYMNS 

Neale's  translations;  two,  however,  easily  obtained,  are 
especially  deserving  of  note;  viz.,  the  Rev.  G.  R.  Wood- 
ward's Songs  of  Syon,  and  the  Rev.  G.  H.  Palmer's  The 
Hymner.  The  latter  book,  so  we  are  told  in  the  Preface, 
contains  "translations  of  all,  save  two,  of  the  Hymns  from 
the  Sarum  Breviary  ...  Of  the  total  number  nearly 
one-half  are  from  the  pen  of  the  late  Dr.  J.  M.  Neale,  of 
whose  vigorous  and  scholarly  renderings  the  editor  has 
gladly  availed  himself."  Neale's  translations  are  from  the 
Original  Text,  not  from  the  Roman  Breviary  Text. 
Hymns :  3,  5,  6,  11,  23,  24,  26,  34B,  38,  39,  46,  49,  52,  53,  58, 
58B,  m,  69,  71,  78,  134B,  150,  154,  158,  163,  168,  169,  170, 
171,  172,  173. 

NEWMAN,  JOHN  HENRY  CARDINAL  (1801-1890) 
was  educated  at  Ealing,  and  at  Trinity  College,  Oxford. 
Convert,  1845.  Founder  and  superior  of  the  Birmingham 
Oratory  and  School.  Rector  of  the  Catholic  University  in 
Dublin,  1854-1858.  Created  Cardinal  by  Pope  Leo  XIII, 
in  1879.  His  translations  from  the  Roman  Breviary,  thirty- 
three  in  all,  are  found  in  his  Verses  on  Various  Occasions. 
His  most  popular  translation  is  that  of  the  Nimc  Sancte 
nobis  Spiritus,  hymn  2  of  this  volume.    Hymns :  2,  15,  130. 

OAKELEY,  VERY  REV.  FREDERICK,  M.A.  (1802- 
1880)  was  educated  at  Christ  Church,  Oxford.  He  was  a 
prominent  Tractarian  and  author.  Convert,  1845.  Canon 
of  the  Cathedral  of  Westminster.  He  is  widely  known  for 
his  fine  translation  of  the  Adeste  Fideles.    Hymn:  40. 

O'HAGAN,  JOHN  (1822-1890)  was  born  at  Newry, 
Ireland,  and  was  educated  by  the  Jesuit  Fathers  in  Dublin, 
and  at  Trinity  College.  Justice  O'Hagan  was  a  devout 
Catholic,  a  distinguished  lawyer,  and  man  of  letters.  He 
was  a  member  of  the  Supreme  Court  of  Judicature  in 
Ireland.  His  fine  translation  of  the  Adoro  Te  devote  was 
a  great  favorite  with  the  late  Father  Matthew  Russell, 
S.  J.,  who  included  it  in  several  of  his  charming  little  books 
on  the  Blessed  Sacrament.    Hymn:  79. 

OXENHAM,  HENRY  NUTCOMBE  (1829-1888)  was 
educated  at  Balliol  College,  Oxford.  Convert,  1857.  He  is 
the  author  of  several  volumes.  Several  of  his  translations 
are  in  Mr.  Shipley's  Annus  Sa/nctus.    Hymn:  120. 

369 


TRANSLATORS  OF  THE  HYMNS 

PAUL,  CHARLES  KEGAN,  MA.  (1828-1902),  was  edu- 
cated at  Eton  College,  Oxford.  Convert,  1890.  He  was  an 
author,  and  head  of  the  well-known  publishing  house  of 
Kegan  Paul,  Trench,  Trubner  &  Co.    Hymn :  102. 

PALMER,  REV.  GEORGE  HERBERT,  B.A.,  was  edu- 
cated at  Trinity  College,  Cambridge.  Mr.  Palmer  is  the 
editor  of  The  Antiphoner  and  Grail,  and  The  Hymner, 
which  is  exceptionally  valuable  both  for  the  number  and 
quality  of  its  translations  from  the  Latin.  All  the  trans- 
lations by  Mr.  Palmer,  M.  J.  Blacker,  J.  W.  Doran,  and 
J.  W.  Chadwick  in  this  volume,  are  from  The  Hymner. 
Hymns:  19,  69,  114,  115,  157. 

POTTER,  REV.  THOMAS  JOSEPH  (1828-1873). 
Convert,  1847.  Father  Potter  was  for  many  years  pro- 
fessor of  Belles  Lettres  and  Sacred  Eloquence  at  All  Hal- 
lows College,  Dublin.  He  is  the  author  of  several  volumes, 
one  of  which.  Sacred  Eloquence,  has  been  widely  used  as  a 
text-book  in  Catholic  Seminaries.  He  translated  the 
Vespers  hymns  of  the  Breviary  for  the  Catholic  Psalmist. 
Hymns :  29,  38,  63,  65,  91,  92, 104, 109,  118, 128. 

PRIMER.  The  Primer,  or  Office  of  the  B.  V.  Mary  in 
English,  was  a  book  of  devotion  which  was  very  popular 
with  our  forefathers.  Several  editions  appeared  in  the 
17th  and  18th  centuries.  The  Appendix  to  Mr.  Shipley's 
Annus  Sanctus,  contains  many  beautiful  translations  from 
different  editions  of  the  Primer.    Hymns :  33,  35,  50,  71. 

RILEY,  ATHELSTAN,  M.A.  (b.  1858),  was  educated  at 
Eton  and  at  Pembroke  College,  Oxford.  Mr.  Riley  is  one 
of  the  compilers  of  the  English  Hymnal,  1906,  to  which  he 
contributed  seven  translations  from  the  Latin.  The  Eng- 
lish Hymnal  (Oxford  University  Press,  London)  is  one  of 
the  finest  of  modern  hymnals.  It  contains  162  translations 
from  the  Latin,  many  of  which  are  recent  translations  of 
unusual  beauty.    Hymns :  42,  149. 

SCOTT,  SIR  WALTER  (1771-1832),  the  eminent  poet 
and  novelist,  is  the  author  of  a  fine  condensed  rendering  of 
i\iQ  Dies  Ircd.    Hymn:87B. 

SHIPLEY,  ORBY,  M.A.  (1832-1916),  was  educated  at 
Jesus  College,  Cambridge.  He  was  an  Anglican  clergy- 
man for  twenty-two  years.    He  entered  the  Church  in  1878, 

370 


TRANSLATORS  OF  THE  HYMNS 

and  at  the  time  of  his  death  he  was  one  of  the  last  of  the 
illustrious  band  of  converts  whose  conversion  is  traced 
directly  to  the  Tractarian  Movement.  Mr.  Shipley  was 
an  hymnologist  of  great  ability  and  his  compilation,  the 
Annus  Sanctus  is  repeatedly  referred  to  in  this  volume. 
He  is  also  the  editor  of  the  Carmina  Mariana,  and  other 
collections  now  out  of  print.  He  edited  the  MSS.  of  Robert 
Campbell,  and  of  the  Very  Rev.  Prior  Aylward,  O.P.,  and 
included  many  of  their  finest  translations  in  his  Annus 
Sanctus  (Burns,  Gates  &  Washbourne,  London). 

WALLACE,  REV.  WILFRID,  O.S.B.,  D.D.  (d.  1896). 
Father  Wallace  was  educated  at  London  University  and  in 
Rome.  He  was  ordained  a  secular  priest  and  was  known 
to  the  world  as  John  Wallace.  In  1877  he  entered  the 
Benedictine  Order  and  was  afterwards  known  by  his  re- 
ligious name  Wilfrid.  In  his  Hymns  of  the  Church,  1874, 
he  translated  all  the  hymns  of  the  Breviary  and  Missal. 
Several  of  his  translations  are  in  Mr.  Shipley's  Annus 
Sanctus.  Strangely  enough  his  best  translations  are  from 
the  Passion  Offices  which  are  not  included  in  the  latest 
edition  of  the  Breviary.    Hymns :  94,  103,  145. 

WALWORTH,  REV.  CLARENCE  ALPHONSUS 
(1820-1900)  was  an  Episcopal  clergyman  who  entered  the 
Catholic  Church  and  became  one  of  the  founders  of  the 
Paulist  Congregation.  His  fine  translation  of  the  Te  Deum 
is  in  extensive  use.    Hymn:  8. 

WINGFIELD,  WILLIAM  FREDERICK,  M.A.  (1813- 
1874),  was  educated  at  Christ  Church,  Oxford.  Convert, 
1845.  Before  his  conversion  he  was  an  Anglican  clergy- 
man ;  after  his  conversion,  a  barrister.    Hymn :  87. 

WOODWARD,  REV.  GEORGE  RATCLIFF,  M.A. 
(b.  1848),  was  educated  at  Harrow,  and  at  Gonville  and 
Caius  College,  Cambridge.  He  is  the  editor  of  the  excellent 
hymnal,  Songs  of  Syon,  to  which  he  contributed  many 
translations  from  the  Latin,  Greek,  and  German.  His 
translations  from  the  Latin  do  not  include  any  of  the 
Breviary  hymns.  He  is  also  the  author  of  the  widely 
known  Cowley  Carol  Booh.    Hymn :  149B. 

YATTENDON  HYMNAL,  1899.  The  Yattendon 
Hymnal  was   edited   by   Mr.   Robert   Bridges,   the   Poet- 

371 


TRANSLATORS  OF  THE  HYMNS 

Laureate.    It  contains,  in  all,  one  hundred  hymns,  many  of 
them  recent  translations  of  a  high  order.    Hymn :  12. 

Religious  Affiliations  of  Translators 

It  is  interesting  to  record  here  the  religious  affiliations 
of  the  translators  whose  hymns  find  a  place  in  this  volume. 
It  will  be  observed  from  the  biographies  given  above  that 
among  the  Catholic  translators  fully  one-half  are  converts. 
Among  those  classed  as  Anglicans  the  writer  believes  that 
all  are  of  the  High  Church  party. 

CATHOLICS :  Aylward,  Bagshawe,  Bute,  Campbell,  Cas- 
wall,  Donahoe,  Dry  den,  Faber,  Garesche,  Hall,  Henry, 
Hunter-Blair,  Husenbeth,  Leeson,  McDougall,  MacCarthy, 
Newman,  Oakeley,  O'Hagan,  Oxenham,  Paul,  Potter,  Wal- 
lace, Walworth,  and  Wingfield.  The  translations  in  the 
Primers  are  all  by  Catholics. 

ANGLICANS:  Ball,  Blacker,  Blew,  Chadwick,  Cham- 
bers, Copeland,  Courthope,  Dearmer,  Ellerton,  Hort, 
Housman,  Irons,  Julian,  Lacey,  Littledale,  Neale,  Palmer, 
Riley,  and  Woodward. 

The  religious  affiliation  of  Doran  is  not  definitely  known 
to  the  writer ;  he  was  probably  an  Anglican. 

Scott  was  nominally  a  Presbyterian  with  a  leaning 
toward  the  Episcopal  Church. 


372 


GLOSSARY 

Aurora,  <b,  the  dawn.  In  alleg.  the  Blessed  Virgin,  who  was 
the  Dawn  that  heralded  the  rising  Sun  of  Justice. 
(Mai.  4,  2.) 

Avernus,  i,  hell.  The  Humanistic  revisers  of  the  Breviary 
hymns  introduced  many  pagan  poetical  names  for 
heaven  and  hell. 

Bethlem,  another  form  of  Bethlehem,  the  birthplace  of 
David  and  of  Christ.  It  is  five  miles  south  of 
Jerusalem. 

Christiades,  um,  pi.  Christians.  This  word  occurs  twice. 
It  is  not  found  in  the  dictionaries,  not  even  in  Du 
Cange.    See  hymns  94,  104. 

circulus,  i,  circle.  Used  in  the  hymns  in  such  expressions 
as  ''dierum  circulo,"  "dierum  circulis,"  and  in  the 
Vulgate — ''post  anni  circulum" — "after  the  course  of 
a  year."  "Now  the  circling  years  disclose." — Pope: 
Odyssey. 

coelites  (pi.  of  cosies,  itis),  the  blessed,  the  heavenly  spirits. 
This  word  and  juhar  were  great  favorites  with  the  re- 
visers of  the  Breviary  hymns. 

compos,  potis,  with  genitive,  partaking  of,  sharing  in,  par- 
ticipating in. 

confiteor  2,  to  praise.  Confitebor  tibi  Domine  in  toto  corde 
meo  (Ps.  9,  2). 

denus  for  the  pi.  deni.  The  singular  form  of  the  distributive 
numerals  is  quite  common. 

edo,  edidi  3,  to  beget,  bring  forth,  cause. 

Flamen,  inis  (from  flare,  to  blow),  the  Holy  Spirit;  just 
as  "spirit"  is  from  spirare,  to  blow. 

Genitor,  oris,  the  Father;  Genitus,  the  Son. 

in,  prep.,  in,  into;  as,  for.  Et  dederunt  in  (as,  for)  escam 
meamfel  (Ps.  68,  22). 

juhar,  aris,  ray,  beam,  splendor,  glory. 

jugis,  adj.,  continual,  perpetual;  jugiter,  adv.,  forever. 

livor,  oris,  fig.,  envy,  spite,  malice,  ill-will;  mostly  poet,  and 
post-Auff.  for  invidia. 

373 


GLOSSARY 

lubricus,  adj.,  slippery,  dangerous;  impure,  unclean.  See 
''lubricous"  in  any  unabridged  English  dictionary. 

lumbi,  orum,  the  loins,  reins,  considered  as  the  seat  of  the 
passions  or  affections. 

machina,  ce,  structure,  fabric,  frame,  order. 

Numen,  inis,  God,  the  Godhead,  the  Divine  Will. 

obvius,  adj.,  in  the  way  so  as  to  meet,  meeting. 

Olympus,  i,  heaven.    See ''Avernus." 

Orcus,  i,  hell.    See  "Avernus." 

palma,  cb,  a  palm,  palm  branch ;  victory,  the  palm  branch  as 
a  symbol  of  victory. 

pango,  to  fasten;  to  compose,  to  write,  hence  ''to  sing." 

plaga,  ce,  wound,  blow,  stripe.    See  following  word. 

plaga,  cb,  region,  quarter,  lands.    See  preceding  word. 

polus,  i  (or  pi.),  heaven,  the  heavens. 

prcBsepe,  is,  a  manger.  Also  praesepes,  is;  praesepia,  ae; 
praesepium,  i. 

Sion,  lit.,  a  hill  in  Jerusalem  on  which  stood  the  royal 
palace;  fig.,  the  Church,  esp.  the  Church  Militant,  the 
faithful.  In  general,  Sion  is  the  Church  on  earth; 
Jerusalem,  the  Church  in  heaven.  The  necessities  of 
meter  do  not  always  permit  this  distinction  to  be  ob- 
served. 

SolymcB,  arum,  and  Solyma,  orum  are  poetical  forms  of 
Hierosolyma,  orum,  Jerusalem. 

Tartarus,  i,  and  Tartara,  orum,  hell.     See  "Avernus." 

Verbum,  i,  The  Word,  the  Eternal  Son,  the  second  Person 
of  the  Holy  Trinity. 

votum,  i  (mostly  pi.),  prayer,  wish,  desire,  "votum 
solvere,"  to  fulfill  one's  vows  or  obligations,  "voti 
compotes/'  having  obtained  their  wish. 


374 


ENGLISH  INDEX 

HYMN 

Abroad  the  Regal  Banners  fly 51 

Ah  that  day  of  wrath  and  woe 87C 

All   glory,   laud,   and  honor 58 

All  hail,  ye  little  Martyr  flowers 42 

All  ye  who  seek  a  comfort  sure 85 

All  ye  who  would  the   Christ   descry 129 

Angel-guardians  of  men,  spirits  and  powers  we  sing  136 

Antiphons   of  Advent 34 

As  fades  the  glowing  orb  of  day 29 

As  the  bird,  whose  clarion  gay 14 

A  thousand  lights  their  glory  shed 96 

At  the  Cross  her  station  keeping 54 

At  the  Lamb's  high  feast  we   sing 60 

At  this  our  solemn  Feast 77 

Ave,  Star  of  Ocean , 149 

Before  the  ending  of  the  day 5 

Behold  the  blessed  morning 143 

Bethlehem,  of  noblest  cities 47 

Be  thou  the  guardian  of  thy  native  land 94 

Blessed  City,  heavenly  Salem 168 

Blest  guardian  of  all  virgin  souls 88 

Brief  life  is  here  our  portion 171 

Bright  Builder  of  the  heavenly  poles 35 

By  Mary's  inspiration  led 103 

By  the  crib  wherein  reposing 57 

Celestial  Word,  to  this  our  earth 36 

Christ  is  made  the  sure  Foundation 169 

Christ,  of  the  Angels  praise  and  adoration 135 

Christ  the  Lord  is  risen  to-day 59 

Come,  all  ye  faithful 40 

Come,  Holy  Ghost,  who  ever  One 2 

Creator-Spirit,  all-Divine   68 

Day  is  breaking,  dawn  is  bright 16 

Day  of  wrath  and  doom  impending 87D 

Doxologies,  Special — following  hymn 29 

Earth's  mighty  Maker,  whose  command 25 

375 


INDEX,  ENGLISH 

HYMN 

Eternal  Monarch,  King  most  High 66 

Father  of  lights  I  one  glance  of  Thine 125 

Flowers  of  martyrdom  all  hail 42B 

For  thee,  0  dear,  dear  country 172 

From  highest  heaven,  the  Father's  Son 167 

From  lands  that  see  the  sun  arise 39 

From  the  truth  thy  soul  to  turn 108 

Giver  of  life,  eternal  Lord 148 

Glory  and  honor  and  laud 58B 

Glory  of  Iberia's  throne 107 

God  of  mercy  let  us  run 133 

God's   messenger,   Theresa 142 

Great  God  of  boundless  mercy,  hear 21 

Hail  day !  whereon  the  One  in  Three 6 

Hail,  holy  Wounds  of  Jesus,  hail 120 

Hail,  0  Queen  of  heaven,  enthroned 31 

Hail,  Sea-Star  we  name  thee 149B 

Hail,  Thou  who  man's  Redeemer  art 65 

Hail  to  the  Queen  who  reigns  above 33 

Hail,  true  Body,  truly  born 80 

Hark,  a  herald  voice  is  calling 37 

He  who  once,  in  righteous  vengeance 119 

Hidden  God,  devoutly  I  adore  Thee 79 

High  let  us  all  our  voices  raise 165 

His  sacred  feet  with  tears  of  agony 126 

Holy  God,  we  praise  Thy  Name 8 

Holy  Spirit,  come  and  shine 67 

In  wondrous  mode  set  free,  lo,  at  the  Lord's  com- 
mand      128 

Jerusalem  the  golden 173 

Jesu,  eternal  Truth  sublime 162 

Jesu,  salvation's   Sun  divine 50 

Jesu,  the  very  thought  of  Thee 43 

Jesu,  the  Virgins'  Crown,  do  Thou 163 

Jesu,  the  world's  Redeemer,  hear 161 

Jesus,  behind  Thy  Temple's  veil 84 

Jesus,  the  Ransomer  of  man 38 

Joseph,  the  praise  and  glory  of  the  heavens 105 

376 


INDEX,  ENGLISH 

HYMN 

Joy  to  thee,  0  Queen  of  heaven 32 

Let  Angels  chant  thy  praise,  pure  spouse  of  purest 

Bride    104 

Light  of  the  anxious  heart 130 

Lo,  how  the  savage  crew 83 

Lo,  Mary  is  exempt  from  stain  of  sin 100 

Long  fasting  hath  thy  body  tamed 145 

Lo,  the  dim  shadows  of  the  night  are  waning 10 

Maker  of  all,  eternal  King 9 

Maker  of  man,  who  from  Thy  throne 28 

Martyr  of  God,  whose  strength  was  steeled 156 

Mother  benign  of  our  redeeming  Lord 30 

My  God,  I  love  Thee,  not  because 74 

Noble  champion  of  the  Lord 110 

Now  Christ,  ascending  whence  He  came 69 

Now  Christ,  the   Conqueror  of  death 140 

Now  from  the  slumbers  of  the  night  arising 7 

Now  in  the  sun's  new  dawning  ray 1 

Now  let  the  darkling  eve 131 

Now  let  the  earth  with  joy  resound 153 

0  Blest  Creator  of  the  light 23 

0  Christ,  the  world's  Creator  bright 82 

0  Christ,  Thy  guilty  people   spare 147 

0  Christ,  whose  glory  fills  the  heaven 20 

0  come,   0   come,  Emmanuel 34B 

0  for  thy  spirit,  holy  John,  to  chasten 113 

0  glorious  King  of  Martyr  hosts 157 

0  glorious  Lady  I  throned  on  high 151 

O  glory  of  the  Polish  race 144 

0  God  by  whose  command  is  swayed 72 

0  God,  of  those  that  fought  Thy  fight 155 

0  God  of  truth,  0  Lord  of  might 3 

0  God,  whose  hand  hath  spread  the  sky 26 

0  great  Creator  of  the  sky 24 

0  highest  Hope  of  mortals 95 

0  House  of  Nazareth  the  blest 97 

377 


INDEX,  ENGLISH 

HYMN 

0  Jesu,  King  most  wonderful 44 

0  Jesu,  Life-spring  of  the  soul 134 

0  Jesu,  Thou  the  Beauty  art 45 

0  kind  Creator,  bow  Thine  ear 48 

0  Light  of  Light,  0  Dayspring  bright 13 

0  lovely  light   of  fatherland 122 

0  more  than  blessed,  merit  high  attaining 115 

0  Peter,  Shepherd  good,  our  voices  sing  of  thee . .  90 

0  rosy  dawn!  that  dost  proclaim 99 

0  Sovereign  Lord  of  Nature's  might 27 

0  Splendor  of  God's  glory  bright 12 

0  strength  and  stay  upholding  all  creation 4 

0  Thou,  the  heavens'  eternal  King 61 

0  Thou,  the  Son  of  God  most  High 86 

0  Thou,  who  dost  all  nature  sway 73 

0  Three  in  One,  and  One  in  Three 19 

0  Trinity  of  blessed  light 71 

Our  limbs  refreshed  with  slumber  now 11 

Our  souls'  great  Teacher,  Paul,  our  guide  in  wis- 
dom's  ways 91 

0  Virgin  Mother  of  our  God 98 

Peter,  blest  Shepherd!  hearken  to  our  cry 117 

Peter,  whatever  thou  shalt  bind  on  earth 89 

Praise,  0  Sion,  praise  thy  Saviour 75 

Remember,  0  Creator  Lord 152 

Riches  and  regal  throne,  for  Christ's  dear  sake..  124 

Round  roll  the  weeks  our  hearts  to  greet 70 

Ruler  of  the  dread  immense 137 

Sanctify  me  wholly,  Soul  of  Christ  adored 81 

See  the  golden  sun  arise 18 

Sing,  my  tongue,  the  glorious  battle 52 

Sing,  my  tongue,  the  Saviour's   glory 76 

Sing,    0  Sons  of  the   Church,   sounding  the   Mar- 
tyrs '  praise 159 

Sing,  0  ye  faithful,  sing  two  athlete  brothers 121 

Son  of  a  Virgin,  Maker  of  Thy  Mother 164 

Son  of  the  Highest,  deign  to  cast 127 

378 


INDEX,  ENGLISH 

HYMN 

That  day  of  wrath,  that  dreadful  day 87 

That  day  of  wrath,  that  dreadful  day 87B 

The  agonizing  hooks,  the  rending  scourge 93 

The  beauteous  light  of  God's  eternal  Majesty 116 

The  dawn  is  sprinkling  in  the  east 22 

The  dusky  veil  of  night  hath  laid 17 

Thee,  0  Christ,  the  Father's  splendor 134B 

Th'  eternal  gifts  of  Christ  the  King 154 

The  fast,  as  taught  by  holy  lore 49 

The  fathers  lived  a  life  in  shade 102 

The  gladness  of  thy  Motherhood 141 

The  God  whom  earth,  and  sea,  and  sky 150 

The  golden  star  of  morn Ill 

The  Heav'nly  Word  proceeding  forth 78 

The  holy  Paschal  work  is  wrought 59B 

The  Martyrs'  triumphs  let  us  sing 158 

The  Messenger  from  God's  high  throne 138 

The  morn  had  spread  her  crimson  rays 62 

The  Mount   of   Olives  witnesseth 139 

The  world  is  very  evil 170 

Thirty  years  among  us  dwelling 53 

This  the  Confessor  of  the  Lord,  whose  triumph. . .  160 

Thou  heavenly,  new  Jerusalem 166 

Thou  in  thy  childhood,  to  the  desert  caverns 114 

To  be  the  Lamb's  celestial  bride 112 

To  rule  thy  heart,  Elizabeth 123 

Venantius,  hail!  God's  Martyr  bright 109 

We  praise  Thee,  0  God 8 

What  a  sea  of  tears  and  sorrow 132 

When  thou  dost  pray  thy  mighty  prayer 146 

When  war  was  raging,  and  the  town 101 

While  Christ's  disciples,  grieving,  sad 63 

Who  madest  all  and  dost  control 15 

Why  impious  Herod,  vainly  fear 46 

With  glad  and  joyous  strains 118 

With  joyous   songs,   great   Rome,  Martina's   fame 

extol    92 

With  terror  doth  the  tyrant  hear 41 

379 


INDEX,  ENGLISH 

HYMN 

With  the  fair  sun  of  Easter  morn 64 

Worshipped  throughout  the  Church  to  earth's  far 

ends    106 

LATIN  INDEX 

(a  =:  accentual,   q  =  quantitative) 

HYMN 

Adeste,  fideles    a 40 

Adoro  Te  devote    a 79 

Ad  regias  Agni  dapes     q 60 

sterna  Christi  munera    q 154 

sterna  cceli  gloria    q 20 

-Sterne  Rector  siderum    q 137 

jEterne  rerum  Conditor    q 9 

-Sterne  Rex   altissime     q 6Q 

Ales  diei  nuntius     q 14 

Alma  Redemptoris  Mater    q 30 

Alto  ex  Olympi  vertice     q 167 

Angularis  fundamentum    a 169 

Anima  Christi  81 

AntiphonaB  Majores 34 

Antra  deserti     q 114 

A  solis  ortus  cardine     q 39 

Athleta  Christi  nobilis    q 110 

Auctor  beate  saeculi    q 82 

Audi  benigne    Conditor    q 48 

Audit  tyrannus  anxius     q 41 

Aurora  coelum  purpurat    q 62 

Aurora  jam  spargit  polum    q 22 

Aurora  soli  praevia    q 99 

Ave  Maris  Stella    a 149 

Ave  Regina  coelorum    a 31 

Ave  verum  Corpus  natum    a 80 

Beata  nobis  gaudia    q 70 

Beate  Pastor  Petre     q 90 

Beate  Pastor  Petre    q 117 

Bella  dum  late    q 101 

Christe,   sanctorum    q 135 

Christo  prof usum  sanguinem    q 158 

380 


INDEX,  LATIN 

HYMN 

Coelestis  Agni  nuptias     q 112 

Coelestis  aulae  Nuntius     q 138 

Coelestis  urbs   Jerusalem    q 166 

Coeli  Deus  sanctissime    q 26 

Coelitum  Joseph    q 105 

Consors   paterni  luminis     q 13 

Cor,  area  legem  continens     q 84 

Corpus  domas  jejuniis     q 145 

Creator  alme  siderum    q 35 

Crudelis   Herodes,  Deum    q 46 

Custodes  hominum    q 136 

Decora  lux    q 116 

Deus  tuorum  militum    q 155 

Dies  Irae    a 87 

Domare   cordis     q 123 

Doxologies,  Special — following  hymn 29 

Dum  nocte  pulsa    q Ill 

Ecce  jam  noctis     q 10 

Egregie   Doctor  Paule     q 91 

En  clara  vox  redarguit     q 37 

En  ut  superba  6riminum    q 83 

Ex  more  docti  mystico     q 49 

Exultet  orbis  gaudiis     q 153 

Festivis  resonent  compita    q 118 

Fortem  virili  pectore    q 165 

Gentis  PolonaB  gloria    q 144 

Gloria,  laus,  et  honor    a 58 

Hasc  est  dies,  qua    q 143 

Hie  breve  vivitur    q 171 

Hominis   superne   Conditor     q 28 

Hora  novissima    q 170 

Immense   coeli   Conditor    q 24 

In  monte  olivis     q 139 

Invicte   Martyr,   unicum    q 156 

381 


INDEX    LATIN 

HYMN 

Ira  justa  Conditoris     q 119 

Iste   Confessor    q 160 

Iste,  quern  Iseti    q 106 

Jam  Christus  astra  ascenderat    q 69 

Jam  lucis  orto  sidere     q 1 

Jam  morte  victor    q 140 

Jam  sol  reeedit  igneus     q 29 

Jam  toto   subitus     q 131 

Jesu,  corona  celsior     q 162 

Jesu,  corona  Virginum     q 163 

Jesu,  decus  angelicum     a 45 

Jesu,  dulcis  memoria    a 43 

Jesu,  Redemptor  omnium,  Perpes     q 161 

Jesu,  Redemptor  omnium,  Quem     q 38 

Jesu,  Rex  admirabilis    a 44 

Lauda  Sion    a 75 

Lucis   Creator  optime     q 23 

Lustra  sex    a 53 

Lux  alma,  Jesu    q 130 

Lux  ecce  surgit  aurea     q 18 

Lux  0  decora    q 122 

Magnae  Deus  potentiae    a 27 

Maria  castis  osculis     q 126 

MartinaB  celebri     q 92 

Martyr  Dei  Venantius     q 109 

Matris  sub  almse  q 103 

Memento,  rerum  Conditor    q 152 

Miris  modis  repente    q 128 

Nocte  surgentes    q 7 

Non  illam  crucians    q 93 

Nox  atra  rerum  contegit    q 17 

Nox,  et  tenebrae,  et  nubila    q 16 

Nullis  te  genitor    q 108 

Nunc  Sancte  nobis  Spiritus    q 2 

0  bona  patria     q 172 

0  Deus,  ego  amo  Te    a 74 

382 


INDEX,  LATIN 

HYMN 

0  gente  f elix  hospita    q 97 

0  gloriosa  virginum    q 151 

0  Lux  beata  ccelitum    q 95 

0  Lux  beata  Trinitas    a 71 

Omnis  expertem     q 100 

0  nimis  f elix     q 115 

0  quot  undis  lacrimarum    q 132 

0  sola  magnarum  urbium    q 47 

0  Sol  salutis,  intimis     q. 50 

Opes  decusque   regium    q 124 

Pange  lingua  {Passion)     q 52 

Pange  Lingua  {Corpus  Christi)     a 76 

Pascbale  mundo   gaudium    q 64 

Pater  superni  luminis     q 125 

Placare,  Christe,  servulis     q 147 

Praeclara  custos  virginum    q 88 

Primo  die,  quo  Trinitas    q 6 

Quern  terra,  pontus,  sidera     q 150 

Quicumque  certum  quaeritis    q 85 

Quicumque  Cbristum  quaeritis     q 129 

Quodcumque  in  orbe     q 89 

Rector  potens,  verax  Deus     q 3 

Regali  solio  f ortis  IberiaB    q 107 

Regina  coeli,  Isetare    a 32 

Regis  superni  nuntia    q 142 

Rerum  Creator   optime    q 15 

Rerum  Deus  tenax  vigor    q 4 

Rex  gloriose   Martyrum    q 157 

Rex  sempiterne  coelitum    q 61 

Sacra  jam  splendent    q 96 

Sacris  solemniis    a 77 

Salutis  asternae  dator     q 148 

Salutis   humanae   Sator    q 65 

Salve  Regina    a 33 

Salvete  Christi  vulnera    a 120 

Salvete  flores   Martyrum    q 42 

Sancta  Mater,  istud  agas     a 55 

383 


INDEX,  LATIN 

HYMN 

Sanctorum  meritis    q 159 

Sedibus  cceli    q 121 

Sio  patres  vitam    q 102 

Somno  ref ectis  artubus     q 11 

Splendor  paternse  glorias    q 12 

Stabat  Mater   dolorosa    a 54 

Stabat  Mater  speciosa    a 57 

SummaB  Deus   clementise    q 133 

SummaB  Parens   clementiae    {Saturday)     q 21 

Summse  Parens  clementiae    q 72 

Summi  Parentis  Filio   q 86 

Summi  Parentis   Unice     q 127 

Te  deprecante,   corpormn    q 146 

Te  Deum  laudamus    8 

Te  dicimus  praeconio     q 98 

Te  gestientem  gaudiis     q 141 

Te,  Joseph,   celebrent    q 104 

Telluris  alme  Conditor    q 25 

Te  lucis  ante  terminum    q 5 

Te  splendor  et  virtus  Patris     q 134 

Tibi,  Christe,  splendor  Patris     a 134B 

Tristes  erant  Apostoli     q 63 

Tu  natale   solum    q 94 

Tu,  Trinitatis  Unitas  (Friday)  q 19 

Tu,  Trinitatis   Unitas     q 73 

Urbs  Jerusalem  beata    a 168 

Urbs  Sion   aurea    q 1731 

Ut  queant  laxis     q 113 

Veni  Creator  Spiritus     q 68 

Veni,  Sancte   Spiritus     a 67 

Veni,  veni,   Emmanuel    a 34B 

Verbum  supernum  prodiens    (Advent)     q 36 

Verbum  supernum  prodiens     a 78 

Vexilla  Regis  prodeunt    q 51 

Victimae  Pascbali    a. 59 

Virginis  Proles     q 164 

Virgo  virginum  praBclara    a 56 

Printed  by  Bbnziger  Brothers,  New  York 


hnceton  Theological  Semmar.^^^^^^^ 


1    1012  01210  8900 


